Legacy

The 12th edition of the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe promised to be sensational. It was even more so. And with good reason: with 138 competitors at the starting line – the largest and most impressive fleet ever assembled for an ocean race – one of the most glorious chapters in the history of the most legendary of solo transatlantic races has undoubtedly just been written. "This 2022 edition was shaping up to be one for the record books, and it lived up to all expectations. The naval battle was on full display, at every level. The race lived up to its reputation, with tough and challenging conditions that opened up the competition to the highest level," stated Joseph Bizard, Managing Director of OC Sport Pen Duick, who was delighted with the spectacle on the water and also with the vitality of the different classes and categories of boats, which confirms the unique character of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe. An exceptional event. The race is a major event in offshore racing, and this 12th edition distinguished itself even more than previous ones in every aspect. In the opinion of everyone—sailors, owners, partners, and the public—it was special and, in a way, marked a kind of shift, like a ratchet effect, becoming a race of excellence across all classes and categories. "Crossing the North Atlantic in November is certainly no small feat (as a reminder: of the 138 solo sailors who started, 103 managed to reach Pointe-à-Pitre). It is a difficult challenge that justifies the exceptional nature of the race and makes it so exciting," added the Managing Director of OC Sport Pen Duick. Indeed, the magic worked in a big way. A source of satisfaction for the organizers, whose aim was to make the event a time for bringing together sailors and the general public. An event to bring people together. In Saint-Malo, the 70,000 m² village was designed to showcase the entire fleet. Significant work was also done on ergonomics to ensure easy and comfortable access. This allowed for a huge number of visitors and provided exciting entertainment, such as parades and lock passages. At the same time, integrating sustainable development principles into the event gave even more meaning to the various initiatives undertaken and fully served as a platform for impact and a sounding board to inform, raise awareness, and promote major environmental issues related to the ocean. "The foundations we have laid open up great possibilities for building future editions." A successful "opera." Although it is still a little too early to draw any definitive quantitative conclusions, an initial trend is emerging, and, good news, it confirms the appeal of offshore racing itself. "It's a discipline that appeals to, captivates, and inspires passion." We were able to witness its remarkable power of attraction through the various channels we had set up to follow the race. This 12th edition of the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe was, without a doubt, a grand celebration of the sea and boats,” affirmed the representative of OC Sport Pen Duick. Indeed, this 2022 edition lived up to the initial promise made by Michel Etevenon who, it should be remembered, stated that his “intention was not to organize a race but to stage an opera.”