Marblehead to Halifax Race Update
by Vicki Staveacre 7 Jul 2025 21:16 BST
July 7, 2025
2025 Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race © Lexi Pline Photography
After nearly 24 hours at sea, the front-runners of the Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race are pushing hard toward the finish. Temptation/Oakcliff leads the fleet in both elapsed and corrected time, with Boudicca – Gill Race Team close behind.
Dream Crusher has recorded one of the fastest VMGs, while Scowling Dragon looks set to challenge late with the highest distance sailed thus far.
Temptation is estimated to finish tonight around 18:50 ADT, followed by Boudicca at approximately 19:39 ADT. If conditions remain favorable, Dream Crusher’s efficient VMG suggests a finish later this evening, with Scowling Dragon needing a late rally.
Wind & Weather at the Finish Line
At the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, finishing boats are sailing into light and variable winds, clocking around 10–12 knots from the southwest—ideal for setting powerful downwind sails but also demanding savvy navigation to hold onto speed.
The current forecast shows mostly cloudy and humid conditions through Wednesday, with the potential for showers and thunderstorms Tuesday morning. This means precise tide and wind timing could be key for those boats arriving amid those shifts.
What We're Watching
- Line Honors: Temptation/Oakcliff remains the favorite tonight, though Dream Crusher’s aggressive VMG could put them in contention for top honors if they maintain momentum.
- Corrected Time Battles: In ORR1, split seconds from the start will matter—Boudicca is well-positioned to challenge.
- Fleet Flow: Will Scowling Dragon’s extra mileage pay off, or will lighter winds slow the chase pack?
You can watch the race progress via the
tracking link on the Marblehead to Halifax website.