NEXTGEN by JAJO (pronounced Yayo) has firmly established itself as the leading vessel in the 2025 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), completing the journey in Saint Lucia ahead of 147 competitors.
The World Cruising Club (WCC) proudly showcases this remarkable achievement as part of the 40th-anniversary celebrations of this prestigious ocean crossing. The yacht, a former Volvo 65 racer named “Nextgen by Jajo,” triumphantly completed the 2,700-nautical-mile journey from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
The ARC 2025 fleet is now en route to IGY Rodney Bay Marina, marking the culmination of this challenging passage.
With a 12-member Dutch crew, the vessel departed on November 23rd and secured victory in an impressive time of 10 days, 48 minutes, and 53 seconds, earning line honors in the landmark 40th edition of the ARC.
Upon crossing the finish line, the crew was warmly welcomed ashore by representatives from the World Cruising Club and the Saint Lucia Ministry of Tourism, along with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) and IGY Rodney Bay Marina. Tourism officials, including Donalyn Vittet, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, and SLTA CEO Louis Lewis, officially greeted the fleet with enthusiastic support from Events Saint Lucia (ECSL).
Their arrival signifies a significant milestone in the ongoing 40th-anniversary celebrations of the ARC in Saint Lucia.
Skipper Jelmer Van Beek did not hold back his joy in being the first to cross the line, expressing gratitude for the team’s efforts. He stated, “Winning line honors is always a special achievement, and it isn’t easy. We knew we had the fastest boat, but executing that was crucial. I’m incredibly proud of the team.”
Van Beek reflected on the race, saying, “We enjoyed fast sailing each day, particularly with all the downwind conditions. The ARC team’s warm welcome after our Atlantic crossing has been fantastic, and now we’re ready to enjoy a well-deserved rum punch and a shower.”
The ARC is renowned as a cruising rally that promotes safe and sociable ocean passages for sailors, yet NEXTGEN by JAJO stands out as a racing-focused vessel. With a fully carbon fiber hull and rig, the yacht is highly lightweight and capable of sailing at speeds exceeding 20 knots.
Describing the boat, Van Beek asserted, “The Volvo 65 is my favorite vessel. I have successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean eight times on this boat. It’s undeniably fast, and when treated right, it unleashes significant speed and power. However, it requires constant vigilance due to the immense force it generates.”
Formerly known as the ‘Team Brunel’ boat, NEXTGEN by JAJO achieved line honors and set an ARC record back in 2015.
The trimaran Picomole, led by Aldo Fumagalli, is anticipated to be the next arrival in Saint Lucia, expected on December 4, followed by ReMax One and La Loevie shortly thereafter.