RPAYC’s Gordon Beath shines in both seamanship and sportsmanship
The 2025 New Caledonia Groupama Race set sail this past Sunday (15-21 June) from Nouméa, launching right on time and without delay from the official schedule. From the very first moments of the 654-nautical-mile loop around Grande Terre, crews demonstrated bold and varied approaches, with some opting for aggressive and risky strategies in pursuit of glory.
One standout from the outset was Gordon Beath, a long-time member of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC), who skippered his multihull Romance to a commanding win in the multihull division. But his victory was only part of the story.
Mid-race, fellow multihull competitor Rushour, owned by Drew Carruthers, capsized while leading the fleet in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Responding without hesitation, Beath and his crew aboard Romance stood by Rushour to provide immediate support while New Caledonia’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and Forces Armées en Nouvelle-Calédonie conducted a successful rescue. All crew from Rushour were returned safely to Nouméa.
Beath’s combination of competitive prowess and unwavering seamanship earned him the admiration of the international fleet and race officials alike. His quick-thinking and support efforts undoubtedly prevented a potentially serious outcome, reinforcing the spirit of solidarity that defines offshore racing.
Meanwhile, in the monohull division, New Zealand’s Brian Peterson and his yacht V5 delivered an impressive campaign, finishing fifth on corrected time and first on elapsed time. V5’s performance serves as a strong indicator of what’s to come, as Peterson gears up for the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race, scheduled for October 11, 2025. The Sydney to Auckland race will be a high-profile trans-Tasman challenge, with top-tier competitors from both nations.
This year’s Groupama Race once again tested sailors with complex navigation, shifting weather patterns, and tactical pressure—all of which unfolded spectacularly right from the start. The event not only celebrated racing skill but showcased the courage and compassion that bind the global sailing community.
📍 Relive the race: Follow the journey of all 23 crews who competed in the Groupama Race 2025 live via the tracking link and view the final results at:
With Romance’s dual triumph in competition and crisis, and with top contenders like V5 preparing for their next major event, the 2025 Groupama Race has reaffirmed its reputation as a proving ground for the world’s finest offshore sailors.
