The final stretch is already here, and the pressure is mounting for the 118 skippers. In just over a month, on Sunday, November 1st, in Saint-Malo, they will set off on the most famous of solo ocean sprints, the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe. Never before has the bar been set so high in each of the six classes. In four years, sailors, naval architects, and engineers have relentlessly pushed the boundaries, revolutionizing offshore racing with a single goal: to go faster and faster! Ultim, Ocean Fifty, IMOCA, Class40, Vintage Multi, and Vintage Mono: the "match within the match" among the six boat classes promises to be thrilling, with high stakes, suspense, and a level of competition higher than ever! All this is sure to further boost the motivation of the skippers, who were all gathered this Tuesday afternoon at the Folies Bergère theater in Paris for the official presentation of the event.
“I can’t wait!” Echoing the sentiments of the other skippers, Violette Dorange (Initiatives Cœur, IMOCA) makes no secret of her excitement at the prospect of competing in the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe. “I’ve never started a race with so many boats on the line; it’s going to be incredibly intense!” This ocean sprint between Saint-Malo and Pointe-à-Pitre has the power to inspire sailors, bring generations together, and create lasting memories. Francis Joyon (OCEANS, Vintage Multi), the 2018 winner, puts it this way: “These have always been very powerful experiences. They are great moments of passion and adventure.” This year, for the 13th edition , 118 skippers will be on the starting line. The list, now final, has grown in recent days with the registration of Guirec Soudée in the Ultim class and Alexis Thomas in the Class40. For all the skippers, the pressure is mounting and time is running out to be fully prepared before this intense ocean sprint. As they enter the final stretch, the favorites are numerous, the outsiders are lying in wait, and many will do everything they can to get involved in the battle at the front. |
Each category has its own concentration of talent and suspense. In the Ultim class, Armel Le Cléac'h (Maxi Banque Populaire XI) and Tom Laperche (SVR Lazartigue) are the favorites, while defending champion Charles Caudrelier (Maxi Edmond de Rothschild) will be highly anticipated for his first race aboard his revolutionary foiling boat. In the IMOCA class, a thrilling competition is expected between the proven boats (Jérémie Beyou's Charal, Sam Goodchild's Macif, Francesca Clapcich's 11th Hour Racing) and the newly launched ones (Sébastien Simon's Groupe Dubreuil, Boris Herrmann's Malizia 4). Within the Ocean Fifty, the most experienced, Erwan Le Roux (Plastic Odyssey Fifty) and Thibault Vauchel-Camus (Solidaires en Peloton) in particular, will have to battle against the new generation led by Basile Bourgnon (Edenred), Pierre Quiroga (Wewise) or even Baptiste Hulin (Viabilis Oceans). In the Class40 class, there are more than a dozen skippers capable of challenging the two favorites, Guillaume Pirouelle (Sogestran Seafrigo) and Corentin Douguet (SNSM, Faites un don!). The Vintage Multi and Vintage Mono categories, which help keep the heritage of offshore racing alive, continue to grow. The competition between the ORMA trimarans promises to be exciting: four will be on the starting line, including Francis Joyon (OCEANS) and Damien Seguin (Arkéa – Handicap International). The performance of these boats could even allow them to compete with the Ocean Fifty class. In the Vintage Mono category, Jean Le Cam (Alegria) and Sidney Gavignet (Le Cigare Rouge) will try their luck in a class that also includes Tanguy Caradec (Eurvad) and Titouan Pillard (Use it again for youth). All of them symbolize the extreme diversity within the fleet, where offshore racing legends, experienced sailors, seasoned amateurs, and daring youngsters rub shoulders. These men and women, seasoned by the challenges of the open sea, are preparing to brave the autumn storms for a major test. They will leave behind the bustle of Saint-Malo, feeling the encouragement of the crowds all the way to Cap Fréhel before setting off out to sea. There will be trials, doubts, and introspection, but also personal triumphs and an incredible sense of freedom. A whirlwind of emotions awaits them throughout this ocean sprint, culminating in the warm and unforgettable welcome that awaits them in Guadeloupe. |
A new edition and numerous innovations
The official presentation of the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe, held this Tuesday afternoon at the Folies Bergère and attended by all the sailors, also provided an opportunity to learn more about the many surprises planned for this new edition. The major new feature this season is the first edition of the "Off du Rhum" (Rhum Off). Launched by the City of Saint-Malo, Saint-Malo Agglomeration, and the Brittany region, in collaboration with the organizers, this initiative aims to extend the festivities into the neighborhoods of Saint-Malo and the surrounding towns through entertainment, meet-and-greets, concerts, and other cultural events.
In parallel, the Art Explora Festival will take place aboard France's first museum ship. This unique concept offers an exhibition open to all, as well as a program of shows, dances, concerts, and performances throughout the duration of the race village. Younger participants haven't been forgotten: to help them follow the race, an educational kit is available for teachers. Based on the race route, it allows them to explore school subjects through the skippers' adventure. Furthermore, for the first time in offshore racing, a children's map will be provided by the organizers. A multitude of initiatives will allow a wide and intergenerational audience to experience the excitement throughout the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe!
Julie Coutts, General Manager of OC Sport Pen Duick:
“What gives the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe its unique character and DNA are the 118 skippers who will take part. As organizers, we have a director's role and we strive to offer the skippers the best possible stage. We are committed to delivering a very high-level race, but also an event that is both popular and accessible.”
For spectators, everything has been designed to ensure a fully immersive experience that goes far beyond simply strolling along the docks. The Rhum Park will feature various activities, while Art Explora, the world's first museum ship, will also be open to the public. Finally, in partnership with the city of Saint-Malo, we will launch the first "Off du Rhum" program, offering entertainment throughout the thirteen days of the festival in the city's neighborhoods and streets, as well as in the surrounding towns and villages.
SKIPPERS' WORDS Armel Le Cléac'h (Maxi Banque Populaire XI, Ultim): “The Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe is a major objective for me and for the whole team. I've never hidden the strong connection I have with this race: as a child, I used to go to the docks with my parents, follow the race on the radio, and always dreamed of competing in it one day. With the Banque Populaire team, we're preparing for this new edition, trying not to overlook any detail. It's like an athlete preparing for the Olympic Games: it's years of preparation to be ready on the big day and to rehearse as closely as possible what we've worked so hard to prepare. We know that every detail counts as the race approaches and that we'll have to be ready to give it our all from the starting gun.” Basile Bourgnon (Edenred, Ocean Fifty) : “The Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe is a race that means a lot to everyone. If I had to choose my dream race, it would definitely be this one. I grew up with it; it's part of my family history… There's bound to be a bit of pressure during the preparation because you don't want to mess up. And in the Ocean Fifty, it's going to be fantastic: the class has rarely been so competitive and at this level. There are so many possible twists and turns that we know nothing will be decided until the finish!” Élodie Bonafous (Association Petits Princes - Quéguiner): “I’m thrilled to be competing in the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe. It’s one of the flagship events of the IMOCA circuit, the only one that brings together large racing boats on the same starting line. Because of its open and unpredictable course, it’s not easy, with many options and an intense pace. Since my boat was launched in February 2025, everything has happened very quickly. The IMOCA was my goal, my dream even. And I’m lucky enough to be able to set off on the Route du Rhum solo, with a fantastic boat. Gradually, I’ve become more comfortable with the boat and I feel more at ease on board; I’ve managed to get to grips with it. I’m convinced I’m exactly where I hoped to be.” Alexis Loison (Groupe Réel): “There’s definitely a lot of anticipation and excitement. While the Class40 is the most represented class, the level of competition is very high. There’s both quality and quantity. It promises to be a great battle on the water, especially since there are a significant number of outsiders! What makes the Route du Rhum so magical is the number of skippers, boats, and different stories. There are several categories, and everyone can find their place: it’s a bit like the Olympic Games of offshore racing!” Francis Joyon (OCEANS, VintageMulti) : “The Route du Rhum has always been a powerful and intense experience. It's a time of great passion and adventure, an extreme race as well, and that's why I keep going back. I'm very happy to see that the Route du Rhum is bringing the Orma class back to life. These are extraordinary boats, very powerful and very committed. Personally, I'm thrilled at the prospect of returning to aboard a boat that I designed and with which I've had so many adventures.” Tanguy Caradec (Eurvad, VintageMono) : “There’s bound to be a lot of anticipation. I’ve been preparing for a year and a half, and I understand everyone who says that just being at the starting line is a victory in itself. We’ve all been thinking, dreaming, and living the Route du Rhum every day for months! I know there will be a lot of emotion when I set off, and that it will be a beautiful tribute to my father (Loïc, who died in the 1986 Route du Rhum). But for now, I’m not thinking much about the race; I’m mainly focused on my preparation. I’ve never crossed the Atlantic, either with a crew or solo. I’m approaching it like any other competitor before embarking on an adventure, with the simple desire to reach the other side.” |
WORDS FROM THE PARTNERS |
Ary Chalus, President of the Regional Council of Guadeloupe : "The Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe is a story that deeply connects our territory to the sea. Our skippers, our artisans, and all our vital forces are its ambassadors. Together, we want to make this 13th edition a great moment of gathering and sharing, one that brings Guadeloupe to life, showcasing its maritime heritage, its talents, and everything that makes our destination so strong and attractive. We invite you to join us in Guadeloupe to celebrate this exceptional event and share in the magic of the finish." Gilles Lurton, Mayor of Saint-Malo and President of Saint-Malo Agglomeration: “Saint-Malo is proud to host the 13th edition of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, this iconic race deeply rooted in our maritime identity and which showcases our region far beyond our shores. For 13 days, we will strive to share with the many visitors all the emotion and fervor of this major event. I wish all the skippers a wonderful adventure!” Loïg Chesnais-Girard, President of the Brittany Region : “Taking part in the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe is an achievement in itself. Behind every boat, there are years of preparation, doubts overcome, and a desire to push one's limits. To you sailors, I offer my admiration and encouragement. We will follow you closely and share in your ocean adventures.” The full list of the sports lineup can be found here. |