Ed Bell’s JPK 1180, Dawn Treader wins IRC One at The Cervantes Trophy Race

The RORC Cervantes Trophy Race delivered a dramatic shift in conditions, demanding tactical precision from the outset and raw speed in the final stretch. The fleet drifted off the Royal Yacht Squadron line in barely a breath of wind—yet any expectation of a gentle crossing to Le Havre quickly vanished.

Midway across the Channel, the race sprang to life as a brisk north-easterly breeze swept in, launching boats downwind at full throttle. Over the 128nm course, the intensity ramped up with the RORC fleet locked in tight contention for IRC dominance—dozens of yachts, separated by mere seconds, all vying for the prestigious trophy and key points in the world’s largest offshore racing series: the RORC Season’s Points Championship.

IRC One produced one of the most closely fought contests of the race. Multiple boats exchanged leads throughout the passage, but while Gery Trentesaux’s Sydney 43 Long Courrier claimed line honours, it was Dawn Treader—Ed Bell’s JPK 1180, co-skippered by Mark Spearman—that secured the overall class victory after a gripping tactical duel. Sun Hill IV, the J/133 skippered by François Charles, finished second, with Michael O’Donnell’s J/121 Darkwood taking third. On corrected time, Long Courrier placed fourth.

“It was like a game of snakes and ladders,” said Dawn Treader’s Ed Bell. “We had a clean start, but like many others, hit the wind hole at Owers and could only watch as the fleet came back to us. Then the breeze filled in and we were moving well. During the night, we noticed a light approaching—Orbit, absolutely flying. For Dawn Treader, it was a fantastic return to racing, and we’re thrilled with the class win. The hospitality in Le Havre was excellent, and we’re excited for what’s ahead this season.”

Dawn Treader, JPK 1180