VIDEO: 2025 Offshore Double Handed Worlds - Qualifier 1 Start highlights with interviews

The opening qualifier of the 2025 Offshore Double Handed World Championships got underway in Cowes, Isle of Wight with near-perfect conditions: a northeasterly 10–14 knots, clear skies and flat water.

The start was fiercely competitive. Nanami Iguchi/Yoshihiko Murase (JPN 1) were OCS but restarted cleanly. First around the HYS mark was Lina Rixgens & Sverre Reinke (GER 1), chased hard by Aaron Hume-Merry & Anna Merchant (NZL 1 ) and Anna Drougge & Martin Angsell (SWE 1). Arianna Liconti & Francesco Farci (ITA 1) split west early but lost out on the move. On the spreader leg to Paul Heys, the pack reshuffled with NZL 1 passing GER 1, leaving SWE 1 in third.

Only the top five finishers from this qualifier will earn a direct place in the World Championship Final, making every move critical. The 140nm race is expected to come to a climax on Wednesday 24 September.

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.

Picture Gallery for all the action 

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 22nd September to 1st October from Cowes, Isle of Wight.