THE MOOD OF THE RUM. After a first week in Saint-Malo marked by festivities and obligations, the skippers of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe will mostly find some peace and quiet away from prying eyes. Rest, sports activities, studying the weather… The week promises to be much more studious, with next Sunday's start in sight.
They were everywhere. We applauded them as they passed through the locks. We cheered them on during Storm Austen. We tried to catch a glimpse of them in the walkways, after an autograph session, or in one of the restaurants within the city walls. We shouted their names during the official presentation of the skippers last night. The skippers, too, enjoyed the atmosphere of the moment, the largest offshore racing village, and the large crowds of passionate fans. Some even indulged in nighttime escapades, swept up in the festive atmosphere that permeated the entire city.
Time is running out.
“Enjoying” is the word that comes up most often. It almost feels like a liberation, and we understand them, after months of work, preparation, and doubts too. This atmosphere is a reward, not only for the skippers but also for their technical teams who have been working tirelessly to give themselves the opportunity to participate in this new edition of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe. It is therefore more than legitimate that they are an integral part of the celebration, given how much they have contributed to shaping the 115 boats moored in the Saint-Malo docks. But time is running out. In seven days, the skippers will all be on the starting line. It will be time to monitor traffic, the weather, and strategy all the way to Cap Fréhel and beyond. At the beginning of this week, they have all been somewhat confronted by the imminence of the ocean sprint. They know that in the coming days, the weather conditions will become more precise, and it will already be time to talk about strategy and tactics.
A little more of the little things in everyday life
So it's time to " get into the race ," to "get into one's own bubble ." Some only go to the village in the early morning, away from the crowds, before resting for the day. Some have rented houses further away to be a little more isolated. Others go home to enjoy time with their families, and a few sporting outings as well. Wing surfing and windsurfing are popular, as are running and cycling, like Jérémie Beyou (Charal, IMOCA) who plans " one or two gravel rides." For originality, Basile Bourgnon (Edenred, Ocean Fifty) may take the prize: the Edenred skipper has headed to Ouistreham to try his hand at offshore fishing.
Those returning home simply long to enjoy the little things in life. "It allows you to catch up on the last details and sleep in your own bed too," explained Corentin Horeau (MACSF, IMOCA). Forgetting the hustle and bustle of the race village, refocusing, savoring a welcome calm: the skippers thus reclaim their daily routines, away from prying eyes. A few welcome days of respite before diving into the deep end and having only one obsession: the Atlantic crossing that awaits them.