The 13th edition will begin on November 1st, 2026

Following the opening of applications a few weeks ago, OC Sport Pen Duick, the owner and organizer, is launching a new countdown today by revealing the start date of the next edition of the most legendary of solo transatlantic races. In one year, on Sunday, November 1, 2026, the 13th Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe will set sail from Saint-Malo, bound for Pointe-à-Pitre, unleashing 117 sailors, joined by a few wildcards who will be looking to add their name to the race's list of winners or to intertwine the magic and history of this extraordinary event with their own personal journeys. With one year to go before the start of this exceptional sporting event, the task of counting down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds falls to Alpina, which is serving as the Official Timekeeper of the race.

Grand departure on November 1st, 2026

The news was expected, and now it's official. On Sunday, November 1st, at 1:02 PM, 117 solo sailors, potentially joined by a few wildcard entries, will set off on the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe. Ultim, IMOCA, Ocean Fifty, Class40, Vintage Multi, and Vintage Mono—all will meet their destiny on a single starting line, tackling a unique course. From Brittany to Guadeloupe, from Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre, they will be the protagonists of the most intense of ocean sprints, the legendary race that for 47 years has brought together the very best of offshore racing. They will become part of the legend and contribute to the magic of the Route du Rhum.

Opening of the departure village on October 20th

But before the thrill of the start, other equally powerful emotions will be shared by sailors and the general public with the opening of the race village on Tuesday, October 20th. For a spectacular launch, part of the fleet will parade to Saint-Malo, a symbol of the diversity and richness of this race. Boats from the various classes, from Ultims to Class40s, including IMOCAs, Ocean Fifties, and Vintage Multi and Monohulls, will enliven the quays and bring the heart of the corsair city to life throughout the village. From the moment the boats enter the docks, the entire fleet will be alive with the festivities planned by the organizers, the city of Saint-Malo, the Guadeloupe region, and the Brittany region for 13 days, reflecting the strong bond between the corsair city and the Caribbean shores. A Breton and Guadeloupean atmosphere, tradition and modernity, memories and discoveries will enliven this period leading up to the kick-off.

The promise of a popular and festive gathering

The race village, entirely free of charge, will once again cover nearly 70,000 m² along the quays, just as it did in 2022, and will offer several new features, including the creation of a dedicated area, "Terre de Départ" (Land of the Start). This area will showcase the riches, expertise, and identity of the Breton region and will fully contribute to the festive atmosphere and unique character of the race village. Between the fervor and emotion of the general public and the popular gathering, this fortnight in Saint-Malo will offer an experience at the crossroads of sport and spectacle, culminating on the weekend of October 30th and November 1st. Even before the starting gun, the locks of Saint-Malo will come alive to offer the public a unique spectacle, which has become a true Route du Rhum ritual: a moment of shared emotion between the sailors and the crowd in a festive atmosphere. Grandstands, entertainment, and popular enthusiasm will make this passage an unforgettable memory for everyone.

Charles Caudrelier is in contention to defend his title

Winner in 2022 and record holder for the event at 6 days, 19 hours, 47 minutes and 25 seconds, Charles Caudrelier will return to defend his title at the helm of Gitana 18, a newcomer to the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild line, whose unveiling is expected very soon. “I am fortunate to be able to be present again, in a year, on the starting line of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe in Saint-Malo,” confides the sailor. “ This legendary race is truly my favorite, the one that inspired me to become a professional sailor by following the adventures of skippers like Laurent Bourgnon. Coming back to defend the title won in the last edition with Gitana 17 is one of the major objectives that we have set ourselves with the entire Gitana team. It will be at the helm of a brand new boat, Gitana 18, the new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild; A large, highly innovative 32-meter flying ocean trimaran that we will unveil in a few weeks. 2026 promises to be an intense year with the development of this new machine, and the Route du Rhum will be its first major transatlantic race. My victory in 2022 in Pointe-à-Pitre and the record of 6 days, 19 hours, 47 minutes, and 25 seconds set for the crossing allowed me to enter the legend of the Route du Rhum; it was a holy grail for me. Today, it is an immense privilege to return with Gitana 18.

THE OFFICIAL TEASER:

Alpina, Official Timekeeper of the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe

Sailors, organizers, partners, visitors, sailing enthusiasts—for everyone, the countdown has begun to the highly anticipated reunion every four years. To mark the days, hours, minutes, and seconds leading up to the 13th edition of the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe, Alpina is on board as the Official Timekeeper. For over 140 years, the Swiss watch manufacturer has embodied audacity, adventure, and innovation, ensuring that time passes between now and the start, and that the chronographs, which shrink every four years, are a testament to the fact that the Route du Rhum remains the transatlantic race that brings together the most high-performance boats.

See you for the opening of the village on October 20, 2026 in Saint-Malo, and on Sunday, November 1, 2026 for the start of the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe!

They said

Joseph Bizard, CEO of the OC Sport group: “Each edition of the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe marks a new collective momentum. The announcement of the start date opens a period of anticipation and shared enthusiasm among sailors, partners, local communities, and the general public. What makes this race unique is a common starting line for all classes, a single course linking Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre, and bringing together the biggest names and newcomers around a shared challenge. Through this 13th edition, we want to celebrate the legacy of a legendary race, the festive spirit that animates it, and the pursuit of performance that drives it. From Brittany to Guadeloupe, the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe continues to inspire and unite, proudly upholding the freedom to dream.”

Ary Chalus, President of the Regional Council of Guadeloupe: “With 365 days to go until the grand departure, the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe embodies more than ever our collective ambition: to make this event a showcase of excellence and a shared momentum for all of Guadeloupe. This edition, resolutely inclusive, understated, and responsible, reflects our desire to build a vibrant, attractive, and sustainable territory. It must boost our economy, inspire our youth, and strengthen our shared pride. Together, let's make this oceanic event a driving force for opportunity, cohesion, and influence for Guadeloupe.”

Gilles Lurton, Mayor of Saint-Malo and President of Saint-Malo Agglomeration:

“Since 1978, each start of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe has celebrated the deep and unbreakable bond between Saint-Malo and the sea. Hosting this legendary race is a proud affirmation of our maritime identity, our commitment to this popular event, and a way for our region to grow alongside it. With each edition, our city becomes the starting point of a human adventure that stirs the hearts of everyone. We look forward to seeing you in Saint-Malo on November 1, 2026, for the start of the 13th edition, which we hope will be, as always, exceptional!”

Loïg Chesnais-Girard, President of the Brittany Region: “All of Brittany is delighted to welcome another edition of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe to the regional port of Saint-Malo. This event, deeply rooted in our maritime identity, is much more than a race: it is a grand public celebration that brings together residents, visitors, and sea enthusiasts around values such as courage, resilience, and a spirit of adventure. Regional services, local authorities, and partners are already working together to ensure that this edition lives up to its legendary status. We will strive to offer the skippers a warm welcome and the public an unforgettable experience, reflecting the spirit of Brittany: open, united, and proud of its heritage.”