Transpac 2025: Pint-Sized Powerhouse First 36 SE Finishes Second Over the Line
In an offshore race where waterline length usually rules, the 2025 Transpacific Yacht Race delivered a head-turning surprise: a 36-foot production-based boat finished second over the line—beaten only by an 88-foot maxi. Even more impressive? The Beneteau First 36 SE Custom Rahan was sailed doublehanded.
The biennial Transpac stretches 2,397 nautical miles from Los Angeles to Honolulu, and this year’s edition brought unusually light winds, putting a premium on strategic sail handling and staying in pressure. Rahan’s co-skippers, Charles-Etienne Devanneaux and Frédéric Courouble, kept their foot on the gas the entire way.
Originally developed as a prototype for Beneteau’s new First 36 SE, Rahan was customized specifically for offshore performance. Devanneaux—owner of Naos Yachts—and Courouble worked with the Seascape design team to strip weight, fine-tune the sail plan, and optimize the rig, keel, and cockpit layout. The resulting boat, nicknamed “TP” for the Transpac, maintained the production model’s hull, rudders, and rig dimensions.
Despite being the smallest boat in the 53rd Transpac fleet, Rahan kept pace with larger fully crewed competitors early on and stretched her lead as the race opened into reaching and downwind conditions. She ultimately finished nine hours ahead of the next boat in her class, and just one minute off the corrected-time overall podium.
Throughout the race, Rahan logged daily runs over 270 nautical miles and clocked a top speed of 20.4 knots. Her average speed exceeded 10 knots over the full passage.
“It never felt like a small boat,” Devanneaux said at the dock in Honolulu. “This is what a modern planing hull should feel like—fast, fun, responsive. We were able to push the boat with confidence, even doublehanded.”
The performance not only validated the design but directly influenced the launch of the new First 36 SE production model, which incorporates many of Rahan’s innovations.
Rahan wasn’t the only Beneteau to make headlines—Macondo, a First 47.7, won Division 8.
But it’s hard to beat a story of two sailors on a 36-footer charging across the Pacific and finishing just behind a canting-keel maxi. As Devanneaux said: “This boat, and this race, reminded us what modern offshore sailing can be.”
Doublehanded Offshore: What It Takes
Sailing across an ocean with just two crew isn’t for the faint of heart—but it’s increasingly common in races like the Transpac and events like the Global Solo Challenge. The right combination of preparation, systems, and seamanship can make a doublehanded passage not only possible, but also efficient. Here’s what successful teams like Rahan‘s Charly and Freddy rely on:
Autopilot is Your Third Crew
In doublehanded sailing, a reliable, well-tuned autopilot is essential. Offshore pilots must be able to steer to apparent wind, handle sail changes, and maintain course in heavy weather—all while conserving power. Many crews carry redundant pilots or at least backup drives and spare parts.
Watch Schedules That Work
Forget rigid 4-on/4-off shifts—most doublehanded sailors rely on flexible, sleep-when-you-can systems. Offshore veterans often use short rotating watches (e.g., 90 minutes to 2 hours) to avoid deep fatigue. The key is mutual trust and honest communication about when one partner needs rest.
Smart Sail Selection
Without the manpower to do constant changes, sail inventory needs to be both versatile and manageable. Fractional furling spinnakers, reefable mains, and easily reefed jibs are staples. Planning sail combos for expected wind angles—and knowing when not to push—is part of the strategy.
Pre-Race Prep is Everything
From rigging to power management, every system must be dialed in before departure. Doublehanded teams rely on meticulous pre-race checklists, preloaded routing plans, and gear organized so that any task—reefing, cooking, fixing gear—can be done solo if needed.
Emergency Planning
With only two aboard, you don’t get a second chance in a man-overboard situation. That’s why tethers, jacklines, and cockpit safety routines are non-negotiable. Top crews also train on how to handle medical emergencies, rudder loss, or dismastings without outside help.
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