Catch up with the Diam 24OD Class this Spring
by Diam24onedesign 29 Apr 2025 11:46 BST
Heineken Regatta: The Diam 24od shines under the Caribbean sun © Sint Maarten Yacht Club
As the World Diam Tour Caribbean season hits its stride under the Saint-Martin sun — with the Diam 24ods putting on a great show at the Heineken Regatta — the action is also under way back in France, where the Spi Ouest-France marked the first leg of the World Diam Tour France 2025.
While competition is fierce on the water, the Class is also building momentum ashore, with a recent General Assembly confirming the strong collective spirit driving the Diam 24od community forward.
Heineken Regatta: The Diam 24od shines under the Caribbean sun
The Heineken Regatta 2025, held from March 6 to 9 in Saint-Martin, once again lived up to all expectations. The "Serious Fun" concept of the Heineken Regatta was fully embraced by the Diam 24od Class. Under a blazing sun and in ideal conditions, the Diam 24ods put on a spectacular show, blending speed, strategy, and total commitment on the water. Once ashore, crews gathered every evening at the regatta village to relive the day's races to the vibrant rhythms of the Afro-Caribbean music scene.
Eleven teams lined up for the event, including the top three crews from the WDT France 2024, ensuring a week of high-level competition. The trimaran Zeebest, helmed by Benoît Champanhac, stood out by posting the fastest time across all classes during the round-the-island raid of Saint-Martin, finishing in 2 hours, 29 minutes, and 16 seconds — once again demonstrating the impressive performance of the Diam 24od in Caribbean conditions.
A major innovation this year was the introduction of stadium racing just off Grand Case beach, alongside the traditional coastal courses. This new format was warmly welcomed by sailors and spectators alike, with live commentary provided by announcers usually heard on SailGP circuits. The downwind starts, set just off the beach, produced spectacular scenes, with daring overtakes and close-contact duels, confirming the Diam 24od's versatility and its rightful place in the Caribbean's finest sailing events.
To round off this world-class regatta, a prize-giving ceremony worthy of the biggest stages was followed by a live concert by The Wailers, ensuring a memorable finale to an event that will stay long in the memories of all those lucky enough to attend.
Full results here
World Diam Tour France 2025: Weather full of contrasts in La Trinité-sur-Mer
From April 17 to 21, La Trinité-sur-Mer and the Mick Birch slipway in Saint-Philibert, reserved for the Diam 24ods, hosted the opening leg of the World Diam Tour France 2025, during the legendary Spi Ouest-France. Eight Diam 24ods lined up for this eagerly awaited kickoff, sailed in weather conditions that were as varied as they were demanding.
This third edition of the WDTF kicks off with a breath of fresh air, welcoming two new teams to the fleet — French Touch, based in Brest, and Sonic, coming from La Rochelle. Their arrival reflects the growing momentum of the Diam 24od Class, whose presence continues to expand along the French coastline year after year.
This first clash of the season gave crews the opportunity to test their teamwork, gauge their competition, and already start showing their ambitions.
After an intense weekend, Fast Net (Loïc Escoffier, Benoît Champanhac, and Frédéric Bouyault) claimed victory with impressive consistency and great mastery of the varied conditions.
Full results available here
Next up: the Grand Prix de l'École Navale in May — another major event on the circuit, where crews will either confirm their good early form or reshuffle the standings!
General Assembly 2025: Setting course for a dynamic new season
On April 12, the Diam 24od Class gathered for its Annual General Assembly — a key moment to review the past year and lay the groundwork for the seasons ahead, with 2025 already well under way.
The 2024 review is highly encouraging: five events were held in the Caribbean and six in France, with over 70 sailors taking part overall. The fleet continues to grow stronger, with 10 teams competing in the Caribbean and 9 in mainland France — a milestone that confirms the vitality of the class.
Another major highlight this year: the Diam 24ods are now officially welcomed at the La Rochelle monohull slipway! With several boats already based there, this new hub is set to keep expanding.
We are also delighted to welcome Frédérique Pfeiffer to the Class. With her extensive experience as a multihull sailor and international measurer (FFVoile certified), she brings invaluable expertise. Her arrival further strengthens our technical standards and helps uphold the true spirit of one-design racing.
Looking ahead, the 2025 World Diam Tour promises an even richer season, with a growing calendar in France and continued excitement in the Caribbean. Each stage combines high-level competition with a warm and friendly atmosphere ashore.
Life within the Class is evolving too: the Board of Directors has been partially renewed, and we warmly welcome five new members elected from across mainland France — and even from the British Virgin Islands!
A heartfelt thank you to all participants for their presence, commitment, and passion. The Diam 24od Class continues to move forward, fueled by a close-knit and enthusiastic community.
And maybe 2025 is the perfect year to join the Diam 24od adventure? Whether you're a seasoned racer or simply passionate about multihulls, the Class warmly welcomes you. Onshore and on the water, the spirit is sporty, friendly, and firmly focused on the future.