Alpina, Official Timekeeper of the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe, launches the countdown to the next edition

As the next Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe looms, OC Sport Pen Duick, the owner and organizer, welcomes the Swiss watch manufacturer Alpina as the Official Timekeeper of the race. In the fall of 2026, 117 solo sailors, plus wildcard entrants, will set sail across the Atlantic, off the coast of Saint-Malo, heading for Pointe-à-Pitre, thus starting the clock on a race that since 1978 has continued to reduce the days, hours, minutes, and seconds separating Brittany from Guadeloupe.

They are already preparing for it, racing, double-handed, across the Atlantic, around the world, or on the eve of unveiling their new machine, a true concentrate of technology and innovation. The skippers of the next edition of the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe and their teams are sharpening their weapons, facing the ocean, and giving substance to the project toward which all eyes are turning: participation in the most legendary of solo transatlantic races.

Alpina, audacity, adventure, and innovation The start of the next Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe will be given in Saint-Malo, on a date to be revealed soon. A particularly symbolic moment for the organizing teams and all the public and private partners involved in the race. A collective now joined in this legendary adventure by the Swiss watch manufacturer Alpina. Celebrating its 142nd anniversary this year, Alpina remains driven by a spirit of adventure and innovation, true to its vocation: to offer exceptionally reliable sports watches, designed for all conditions. In order to demonstrate audacity and take on the most extreme challenges, the Maison has drawn inspiration from the Alpine world since its creation. It has thus built solid partnerships with those who aspire to reach for the summits, like its commitment to the French Ski Federation (official watch). It has recently offered all thrill-seekers new versions of its "Extreme" line, ready to brave all conditions.

A challenge across the ocean

Since the 1960s, the marine world has been one of the worlds with which Alpina shares values. It created the Seatrong 10 – a diving watch water-resistant to 200 meters – as well as the Yachttimer series for yachting and sailing. Throughout its history, Alpina has forged a strong connection with the most daring explorers in the most demanding environments. After serving as Official Timekeeper of the Arkea Ultim Challenge – Brest, the brand is now returning to ocean competition with the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, the major transatlantic event.

Alpina is proud to support the extreme human and technological challenge of this solo race between Saint-Malo and Pointe-à-Pitre as Official Timekeeper. The importance of determination, self-improvement, and rigor will be key features of this adventure, shared by Alpina since its creation.

They said:

Julie Coutts, Managing Director of OC Sport Pen Duick: "The Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe is above all a human and maritime adventure, where every second counts. With Alpina as Official Timekeeper, we are bringing together in this demanding offshore environment a company that shares our values of precision, commitment and authenticity. This partnership also marks the beginning of the countdown to 2026 – a collective effort that already places the Route du Rhum at the heart of everyone's attention, a year of preparation where time management will be more essential than ever."

Yasmina Pedrini, Global Marketing & Communication Director: “Alpina is honored to take on the role of official timekeeper of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe 2026. A true symbol of commitment, adventure and precision, this legendary race embodies values that echo Alpina’s DNA and the high standards of our sports watchmaking since 1883. More than a crossing, the Route du Rhum is a legendary maritime epic where each sailor faces the elements with passion, determination and mastery of time. Through this partnership, Alpina celebrates the spirit of exploration and pays tribute to those who, guided by courage and rigor, push the boundaries of what is possible to write their own legend.”