The crowning of "Vintage", when the legend becomes lasting
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The Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe 2026 is about to undergo a historic transformation. For this new edition, the traditional Rhum Mono and Rhum Multi categories are being replaced by the Vintage Mono and Vintage Multi classes. More than just a name change, this represents a true declaration of intent: to reconcile the maritime heritage of the race with the ecological imperatives of tomorrow.
What are the Vintage categories?
These new categories bring together legendary sailboats that have marked the history of offshore racing but no longer meet the ultra-technological ratings of current IMOCA or Ocean Fifty boats.
Vintage Mono: Monohulls ≥ 39 feet (often former 60-foot IMOCAs from the 2000s).
Vintage Multi: Multihulls between 38 and 79 feet. This category notably marks the great return of ORMA trimarans, these "Formula 1 of the seas" which thrilled the public in the 90s.
Why were these categories created?
The organizer's goal is to showcase the tangible heritage of the Route du Rhum. Rather than seeing these legendary boats end their days ashore or be exported outside of Europe, the race offers them a second sporting career. It's a way to rediscover the "soul" of the queen of transatlantic races by bringing together exceptional sailors and historic vessels.
An ecological challenge: The "Refit", champion of decarbonization
Beyond nostalgia, the Vintage category addresses a major environmental challenge: the sustainability of racing vessels.
These figures speak for themselves: -60% carbon footprint
The main environmental advantage of this Vintage category is reuse. Building a new boat is the most polluting phase of its life cycle. By comparison, refit (complete renovation) initiatives on monohulls show that it is possible to extend a boat's life by 10 to 15 years with a carbon footprint reduced by 60% compared to buying a new one. (Source: Reboat)
The materials laboratory of tomorrow
The Notice of Race imposes safeguards on the Vintage category: if a boat is modified by more than 50% of its mass, it must meet eco-design criteria. This encourages skippers to innovate: some are experimenting with sails made from flax and nettle fibers. The use of bio-based resins and natural fibers is becoming a concrete alternative to all-carbon construction.
Giving a second life: the soul of the Vintage class
The rule is clear in promoting resource efficiency: used parts (those used for more than 4 years on other sailboats) are not counted towards the modification quota. This is a direct incentive for the circular economy: we repair, we reuse, we don't extract new resources.
"Simply taking over an old boat, one that's been around for 30 years, is more respectful of the ocean." - Francis Joyon
In short, the Vintage categories prove that performance isn't measured solely by top speed, but by a project's ability to endure. In 2026, the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe will not simply cross the Atlantic; it will demonstrate that the legends of the past are the best allies for a decarbonized future.
