The tenth edition of the Sables-Horta will set sail on 28 June from Port Olona. This biennial race has adopted a new format in real life: a first leg in pairs, followed by a solo return leg. On Virtual Regatta, you will experience this race entirely solo aboard a Class40.

A legendary race reinvented 

Created in 2007, Les Sables-Horta has become an essential part of the Class40 circuit. This biennial race crosses the Atlantic, connecting Les Sables-d'Olonne to the Azores over a total distance of 2,540 nautical miles. The Azores archipelago, with its famous stopover in Horta, is much more than just a stage: it is a legendary must-see for all transatlantic sailors. 

This tenth edition adopts a new format for the actual race, with a first double-handed stage that will allow skippers to qualify for the TRANSAT CAFÉ L’OR Le Havre Normandie, followed by a second solo stage opening the doors to the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe. 

On Virtual Regatta, the experience will be different: you will sail solo from start to finish. There is no need to qualify for other races, so you can focus solely on this crossing to the Azores and savour every nautical mile of this virtual ocean adventure.

The Virtual Regatta experience: two solo stages 

On Virtual Regatta Offshore, the race is sailed solo over two legs. The virtual start of the first leg is scheduled for 28 June, a few days before the actual start. On Virtual Regatta Offshore, the race is sailed solo over two legs. The virtual start of the first leg is scheduled for 28 June, a few days before the actual start. 

Leg 1 – Heading for the Azores (28 June) From Les Sables-d'Olonne, set sail due west for a 1,270 nautical mile crossing to Horta. This first leg will pit you against the North Atlantic trade winds and changing weather systems. Your strategic sense and ability to anticipate will be your best assets in negotiating this ocean crossing. 

Leg 2 – Technical feedback (8 July) After a well-deserved stopover in Horta, set sail again for the Vendée to complete this oceanic challenge. This second leg of 1,270 miles back to Les Sables-d'Olonne is often more technical and demanding. This final stage will feature headwinds, Atlantic depressions and complex meteorological strategy, with suspense guaranteed until the very end.

A tactical challenge in the heart of the Atlantic 

The route between the Bay of Biscay and the Azores archipelago offers a multitude of strategic choices. Virtual sailors will have to contend with the Azores high-pressure system, Atlantic depressions and the famous trade winds that can make or break a race. This meteorological variability makes each edition a unique adventure where experience and nautical intuition make all the difference. 

The strategic stopover in Horta between the two legs adds an extra dimension to the race. This enforced stopover allows competitors to recharge their batteries before tackling the return crossing, which is often more challenging due to more unstable weather conditions and less favourable winds. 

Join the adventure now 

Navigateur aguerri ou passionné de voile, vivez Les Sables–Horta 2025 sur Virtual Regatta. Prenez les commandes de votre Class40 et affrontez les meilleurs e-skippers dans une course fidèle aux défis du large.

Registration is now open on Virtual Regatta. Prepare your strategy, study the weather forecasts and get ready for 15 days of thrills in the heart of the Atlantic. 

See you on 28 June for the start of the first leg towards Horta. Good luck to all e-skippers!