Storms, Strategy and Glory: Griffin Pathway Takes 1–2 at the Mixed Offshore Europeans

The EUROSAF Double Mixed Offshore European Championship, sailed in Figaro 3s as part of the Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Circuit, concluded on 19 September 2025 in Genoa, Italy. Ten teams competed, eight of them from the RORC Griffin Pathway. The line-up was truly international, with sailors from the USA, India, Australia, England, France, and Ireland. In the end, Griffin sailors dominated, securing both 1st and 2nd place. Congratulations to the winning team of Barbara Guth & Louis Hockings-Cooke. Well done to the runner-up Sweta Shervegar & Cam Sword.

A Demanding Course

The race was contested on a tie-shaped course looping around three islands before finishing in Genoa, with a tricky dog-leg to Portofino as the final challenge.

A Fierce Start

The fleet launched into a lively upwind start, heading east along the coast. By the first night, conditions escalated dramatically: a powerful Mistral swept down from France, building quickly north of Corsica. Crews pushed hard with Code 0s as gusts hit 32 knots, before conditions eased to just 10 knots at Capraia Island. The compression reshuffled the fleet, setting up a tight spinnaker run north of Corsica.

Strategy and Risk

Light winds were forecast to dominate the remainder of the race, making tactical choices critical. The Arome weather model proved most reliable, shaping our decision-making. Approaching Giraglia, we gambled: instead of following the pack, we tacked west to find new breeze and tap into katabatic winds towards Genoa. At the time we were lying 5th — but the breakaway move paid off.

Snakes and Ladders to the Finish

Rejoining the coast after a day out of AIS range, the race became a classic battle of shifts and pressure lines. The final dog-leg to Portofino was sailed in barely a whisper of wind, with every crew straining to keep their Figaro moving.

Dramatic Conclusion

At 15:18, our routing call proved decisive as we crossed the line in Genoa to take victory with a commanding margin. Team India followed seven hours later, with Germany finishing two hours after them.

The 2025 Mixed Offshore Europeans demanded everything — skill, patience, and absolute trust in weather strategy — and fittingly delivered a thrilling, high-stakes finish.