Following the success of the 2022 edition, Brittany Ferries and OC Sport Pen Duick reaffirm their partnership

Saint-Malo, September 2024 – Brittany Ferries, a maritime transport specialist and key player in economic and tourist exchanges in the regions it serves, is once again strengthening its territorial commitment by becoming, for the fourth consecutive edition, Official Partner of the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe 2026. This historic partnership with OC Sport Pen Duick demonstrates the relationship of trust that has united the two entities for several years. The official announcement was made on board the ship Le Français, moored in Saint-Malo. Jean-Marc Roué, Chairman of the Brittany Ferries Supervisory Board, and Joseph Bizard, Managing Director of the OC Sport group, sealed this collaboration during a ceremony alongside key players in the region and emblematic partners of the race: the City of Saint-Malo and the Brittany Region.

A legendary race driven by the values of the sea and the land

The Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, a true jewel of the international nautical calendar, has embodied the pinnacle of maritime adventure since its creation in 1978. This transatlantic race linking Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre has become legendary and its magic operates in the diversity of classes and the mix of genres. Great figures of sailing, professionals and amateurs meet every 4 years to taste "the magic of Rhum". After an exceptional 2022 edition won by Charles Caudrelier on his Maxi Edmond de Rothschild (6 days, 19 hours, 47 minutes and 25 seconds), the queen of solo transatlantic races will return in the fall of 2026 to the corsair city.

Brittany Ferries will be fully involved in this major popular celebration on land, in the event village and at sea by welcoming passengers and personalities on board one of the company's ships, the Flagship of the race, to witness the start of the event. Furthermore, as an Official Partner, Brittany Ferries will also lend its name to a specific ranking that will reward the first in each category after 24 hours of racing.

For Brittany Ferries, partnering with this unique event is a no-brainer. “Because the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe race is above all about excellence, because Brittany Ferries’ values are those of this unique event, it is obvious that we remain at the heart of the event, as an official partner of the 2026 edition. Breton farmers and sailors are indeed behind this race highlighting courage, exemplary behavior, and surpassing oneself. As our flagship hybrid ships, the Saint-Malo and the Guillaume de Normandie, prepare to join the Brittany Ferries fleet, we find our commitment to technological innovation, the preservation of the seas and oceans, and the cult of effort. See you in the fall of 2026 with our friends at OC Sport Pen Duick for this exceptional race! ”

Jean-Marc Roué, Chairman of the Brittany Ferries Supervisory Board.

"Two years before its next edition, the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe is already expected to be the major event of 2026. A major sporting and popular event, it promises to be a regional project both on land and at sea. It is in this spirit and in the continuity of our historic agreements that we are once again sealing with undisguised enthusiasm this major partnership with Brittany Ferries. A key player in the Breton economy, a major player in the maritime world, Brittany Ferries' commitment to this legendary event is a very strong signal to us. Just like Brittany Ferries, the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe is firmly anchored in Brittany, just like Brittany Ferries, the race is open to the world. We take this opportunity to warmly thank Brittany Ferries and its teams for their support and renewed confidence. Together, we will write a great chapter in the history of the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe, always with passion for the sea and sailors " Joseph Bizard, General Director of OC Sport.