The Yachting Industry Cycles 930km in Support of Cancer Charity
Shortly after the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show wrapped up, 23 riders and eight support crew from across the yachting sector departed Biarritz on the French Atlantic coast, beginning a six-day, 930-kilometre ride to Antibes in support of cancer research and care.
The event, called The Atlantic Crossing and run under the Cancer My Arse banner, was organised by Ben Young, EU Commercial Director at Northrop & Johnson, together with a team of volunteers. His goal was to create an event that combined sport, philanthropy and the collective energy of the yachting community.
“Yachting is an incredible industry supported by exceptional people,” said Young. “I felt there was an opportunity to create an event that ensured every euro raised went to charity, had a sporting element and gave the community a chance to galvanize behind something positive.”
By the time the riders reached Antibes’ IYCA on Sunday 5 October, the initiative had raised more than €125,000, with colleagues, friends and family gathering at the Antibes Yacht Club terrace to welcome them across the finish line.
The riders were split into three groups, to keep roadcraft manageable. Stronger cyclists rotated to the front to shield less experienced riders, while the support team made up of medics, mechanics, logistics staff and massage therapists, ensured that the operation ran seamlessly. Days began at 06:30 and ended around 17:00, with riders covering 150–180km daily.
Day two, with over 2,000m of climbing, was one of the most punishing stretches, but motivation didn’t falter. “Riding alongside cancer patients and survivors makes any fatigue or discomfort disappear,” Young said. “It is impossible not to be inspired when you hear firsthand how much the funds being raised matter.”
The week also delivered moments that captured the spirit of the ride. One participant had completed chemotherapy just two weeks before the start and went on to ride every kilometre.
On the final day, former Tour de France champion Stephen Roche unexpectedly joined the group and later hosted the prizegiving. A police escort guided the peloton safely into Antibes, stopping traffic and clearing roundabouts to ensure a memorable arrival.
For Arvid Ljungberg, a yacht broker at Northrop & Johnson, the ride was also personal. “I lost a close friend, a yacht engineer, to cancer in 2016 and had wanted to ride in his honour years ago,” he said. “When Ben asked me to join, it was a no-brainer. To take part this time, supported by the yachting community, was very special.”
Ljungberg recalled the morale within the group: “Everyone helped and encouraged each other through pain and discomfort. Riding alongside someone who had just finished cancer treatment put everything into perspective. Whatever aches I had disappeared in a pedal stroke.”
Crossing the finish line in Antibes brought mixed emotions. “It was bittersweet,” said Young. “You know it’s the last time for a while you’ll be with such a remarkable group of people. But the momentum the community built was nothing short of extraordinary.”
Ljungberg echoed the sentiment: “It was an amazing feeling to arrive, but also sad to know it was over. The friendships, the shared experience, the achievement – I would sign up again in a heartbeat.”
The inaugural Atlantic Crossing showed how the superyacht sector can collaborate effectively outside of its usual business environment. With more than €125,000 raised and interest already expressed in a follow-up edition, the event has set a practical example of how the industry can contribute to wider causes.
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