By winning the Transat Café L’Or and then the Ocean Fifty Series 2025 championship, the trimaran Viabilis Océans and its skipper Baptiste Hulin have achieved an exceptional season. This performance is the result of both sporting excellence and the building of a united team, supported by the BE Racing stable and partner Viabilis. Here’s an analysis of a victory that already paves the way for the Route du Rhum 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Double Victory: Viabilis Océans wins the Transat Café L’Or 2025 and the Ocean Fifty Series championship after a season marked by consistency and collective performance.
- A Winning Duo: Baptiste Hulin and Thomas Rouxel formed a strong partnership, both technically and personally, despite extreme conditions and setbacks.
- A Collective Project: The BE Racing stable and partner Viabilis played a key role in preparation and crisis management, especially during the mainsail tear at the start of the Transat.
- Next Step: Baptiste Hulin is now preparing for the Route du Rhum 2026, solo, with an optimized boat and a team strengthened by this victorious season.
A 2025 Season Marked by Performance and Resilience
A Demanding Championship
The 2025 Ocean Fifty Series championship tested the crews across several key races: Saint-Malo, Concarneau, the Rolex Fastnet Race, the 24H Ultim in Lorient, and finally the Transat Café L’Or, starting from Le Havre to Fort-de-France. Viabilis Océans stood out for its consistency, finishing all events despite not having the newest or fastest boat in the fleet. “The boat isn’t the newest or the fastest, but it finished all the championship races. The team worked incredibly hard. When you maintain that level of commitment, in the end, you win the championship,” emphasizes Servane Escoffier-Burton, CEO of BE Racing.
A Thrilling Transat Café L’Or
The Ocean Fifty victory in the Transat Café L’Or was decided in the final hours after 12 days of racing and 5,709 miles covered. Baptiste Hulin and Thomas Rouxel faced a mainsail issue right from the start, forcing them to make a technical stop at Aber-Wrac’h. Despite a 130-mile deficit, the duo managed to get back into the race thanks to a bold strategy and precise weather system management. “We spent much of the night reviewing all the theoretical courses,” recounts Baptiste Hulin, describing their “brainstorming meal” 24 hours before the finish.
A Team Forged in Discipline
The Importance of Teamwork
Since 2024, Baptiste Hulin has chosen to surround himself with experienced sailors like Thomas Rouxel to raise the project to the desired level of excellence. “We formed a strong duo, both mentally and personally,” confides the skipper. Trust and versatility within the team, including for deliveries and technical preparation, were decisive.
BE Racing and Viabilis, Pillars of the Project
The BE Racing stable, founded by Louis Burton and Servane Escoffier, and partner Viabilis, a major player in sustainable development, provided constant support. “Viabilis trusts us, and I am very grateful for this strong bond. That’s where it all starts,” explains Servane Escoffier-Burton. The company, specializing in land and urban development, has been involved in sailing for several years to promote its values of commitment, performance, and team spirit.
Route du Rhum 2026 on the Horizon
Preparation and Goals
The trimaran is now back at the shipyard in Saint-Malo to prepare for the Route du Rhum 2026, which Baptiste Hulin will race solo. “This result puts us on track… It confirms that we have a good handle on this boat offshore: it’s high-performing and technically reliable. Now, we need to continue learning from our small mistakes,” confides the skipper. The energy is positive, expertise is growing, and the team is already working on the necessary adaptations for solo sailing.
They Said
- Baptiste Hulin: “This is a true collective victory. This result puts us on track for the Route du Rhum project. It confirms that we have a good handle on this boat offshore.”
- Servane Escoffier-Burton: “With Baptiste, we rebuilt something. The duo with Thomas Rouxel formed last year and has grown. I strongly believe in building over time and in consistency.”
In Brief: Baptiste Hulin’s Journey
- Origins: Born in 1997 in Cholet, Baptiste Hulin developed a passion for sailing from a young age.
- Career: European Youth Champion in Match Racing, joined the Team France excellence program, and then the BE Racing stable in 2021.
- Achievements: 2nd in the Route des Terre-Neuvas 2024, winner of the Transat Café L’Or and the Ocean Fifty Series 2025.
What’s Next? After a successful 2025 season, the entire team is now focusing on the Route du Rhum 2026. Baptiste Hulin and Viabilis Océans have proven that with discipline, trust, and a united team, even the most ambitious challenges become achievable. Stay tuned.