French Flyers take the lead as Qualifier 2 roars into action at the 2025 Offshore Double Handed World Championships

After the start, the international fleet raced on a short sharp beat to the East Bramble mark. First to round was Théa Khelif/Thomas Andre (FRA), followed by Megan Thomson/Oakley Marsh (NZL 2) then Onur Tok/Hamide Sevda Ersezer (TUR). The front runners double-headed to the spreader mark, Paul Heys before hoisting spinnakers.

Heading into the Western Solent, FRA 1 showed good speed on the VMG run, extending their lead. Both NZL 2 and TUR chose to follow the mainland shore with the Kiwis notably sailing goose-winged to hold their lane.

Alec Coleman/Savannah Taylor (USA), Liz Wardley/Lincoln Dews (AUS 2) and Alec Coleman/Savannah Taylor (CAN) chose the island shore in the Western Solent and looked to make gains.

First to round the Needles Fairway Buoy was FRA 1,closely followed by NZL 2 and AUS 2.

Only the top five finishers from this qualifier will earn a direct place in the World Championship Final, making every move critical.

Live Race Tracking – Follow Every Move All boats are fitted with YB Trackers so fans can follow the fleet in real time across the Solent and English Channel.

Watch for free at https://yb.tl/odhwc2025 or via the YB Races App, available on app stores.

The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), in collaboration with Cap-Regatta and supported by LGL and Jeanneau, is proud to host the 2025 Offshore Double Handed World Championships from 22 September to 1 October from Cowes, Isle of Wight.

Text and images courtesy of RORC.org. Read more here.