Aina Bauza arrives in Martinique after crossing the Atlantic and becomes the first Spanish woman to complete the iconic Transat Café L’Or race.

Aina Bauza crossed the finish line in Martinique aboard Engie – Dessine-moi la High Tech together with French sailor Axelle Pillain, completing one of the toughest editions of the Transat Café L’Or — formerly known as the Transat Jacques Vabre. After 21 days and more than 5,000 miles in a crossing marked by storms, mandatory detours and an unpredictable Atlantic, the duo celebrates their arrival after an oceanic challenge of the highest demand. With this result, Bauza officially became the first Spanish woman to complete this prestigious transatlantic race.

The event connects the Normandy coast with the Caribbean, a challenge that combines endurance and strategy and brings together some of the world’s best offshore sailors. This year, the harshness of the Atlantic was evident from the very first night: three Ocean Fifty trimarans capsized, forcing the rescue of their crews —all unharmed— a reminder of the level of pressure each boat must withstand.

The Bay of Biscay marked one of the most challenging phases. Bad weather forced the organizers to declare a safety stop in A Coruña for the Class40 fleet. Aina and Axelle arrived on 29 October after an especially challenging night and resumed racing on 1 November, once the weather offered a safer window. Despite the pause, conditions remained extremely tough: upon leaving Galicia, Engie – Dessine-moi la High Tech had to push through one weather front after another, enduring days of strong winds and very rough seas.

As they approached the Azores, the fleet split into two major groups with opposite strategic bets. The northern route, initially faster, became trapped in large areas of calm. The southern group —where Aina and Axelle were sailing— covered more miles but ultimately found better trade winds, allowing them to maintain pace and progress toward the Caribbean.

“Just arriving feels like a reward. We are very happy with the results we achieved after sailing together for only six months, and we are eager for new adventures,” explains the Mallorcan sailor, who is currently fighting to secure the continuation of her sporting career. This has been her second major Atlantic adventure, barely a year after breaking the solo world record between Cádiz and San Salvador. Her participation was also made possible thanks to the Cap pour Elles program, a scholarship created by the race organizers that selects one team per edition to promote women’s presence in major offshore regattas.

In this crossing, synergy with Pillain was key: every manoeuvre, every watch, and every tactical decision demanded perfect coordination aboard the Class40 —a fast, technical and physically demanding boat. Always smiling and in good spirits, Aina shared her day-to-day life with followers through a WhatsApp community.

Upon her arrival in Martinique, Bauza completes a crossing defined by tenacity, strategy and the ability to overcome an especially difficult Atlantic. An adventure that strengthens the project’s solidity and proves that the Mallorcan sailor has arrived on the international offshore sailing scene to stay.

The Mallorcan sailor from the Club de Vela Puerto de Andratx received the latest news … during the race and expressed her concern. “I can only thank the Club de Vela Puerto de Andratx for everything it has done for me: it has supported my career with resources and opportunities that have allowed me to compete at this level. Now, knowing that it may disappear and be transferred into private hands is deeply worrying. Grassroots sport is essential in Mallorca, and it will only be preserved with genuine political will.”

What will the next challenge be? She will surely reveal it soon. For now, the team confirms that the project remains open and that they are still seeking new sponsors to close the budget and continue sailing next season, consolidating the project and ensuring continuity on the international offshore circuit after demonstrating great reliability in this race.

Website: https://www.ainabauza.com/