Westerhall barrels containg 198 litres of 3 year old rum at 80.7% strength ready for processing and bottling. Photo: RORC / Louay Habib

It was a chance meeting in Grenada that formed the partnership between the RORC Transatlantic Race and Westerhall Rums. Nick Kingsman, Director of Westerhall Rums UK, was visiting Grenada, at the same time as the Royal Ocean Racing Club agreed to choose Grenada as the host venue for the finish of the RORC Transatlantic Race. The relationship has blossomed with Westerhall Rums continuing to passionately support the race, as well as stock the bars of the RORC Clubhouse in London and Cowes.

Maurice Benzaquen's French Pogo 1250, Aloha crosses the finish line of the RORC Transatlantic Race. Photo: RORC / Arthur Daniel

Maurice Benzaquen's French Pogo 1250, Aloha crossed the finish line of the RORC Transatlantic Race 2015 at 22 hours 23 mins and 07 secs UTC on Sunday 13th December 2015, to take second place overall in IRC. After well over 15 days at sea, the crew of four Bretons were just over two hours outside the overall lead after IRC time correction. Maurice Benzaquen has sailed with the legendary French sailor, Eric Tabarly and his three crew; Philippe Foucher, Gwen Kerisit and David Alexandre have all been skippers for Tabarly. The four men have hundreds of thousands of sea miles of experience, but they have never sailed together for an Atlantic crossing.

Will Apold's Canadian and Israeli team racing custom Swan 78, Valkyrie entering Camper and Nicholsons Port Louis Marina after finishing the RORC Transatlantic Race. Photo:RORC/Arthur Daniel

Sunday 13 December 1100 UTC

Will Apold's Swan 78, Valkyrie and Mike Gascoyne's Class40, Silvi Belle 2 completed the RORC Transatlantic Race over the weekend. Maurice Benzaquen's French Pogo 12.50, Aloha is still racing against the clock for the overall win under IRC.

Will Apold's Canadian and Israeli team racing custom Swan 78, Valkyrie finished the RORC Transatlantic Race on Friday night 11^th December, completing the 3,000 mile race in an elapsed time of 12 days 07 hours 54 mins 03 secs.

IMA Secretary General and RORC Admiral Andrew McIrvine presents Jean-Paul Riviere of Nomad IV with the International Maxi Association Trophy Photo: RORC / Arthur Daniel

At a Prizegiving reception hosted by the International Maxi Association at Camper and Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, IMA Secretary General and RORC Admiral, Andrew McIrvine presented French skipper, Jean-Paul Riviere with the IMA Trophy for Monohull Line Honours. The Victory Bar was packed to capacity for the celebration, with a huge cheer as the exquisite antique silver trophy was presented.