In 100 days, the world's best skippers will gather to compete in the world's greatest ocean race . A total of 118 skippers will take on this incredible sporting challenge, building on a prestigious legacy and facing the challenge of overcoming all obstacles to reach the finish line. The Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe is also a festive event that will draw millions of spectators to Saint-Malo and cross the Atlantic Ocean to Guadeloupe. Skippers, organizers, partners… everyone is already gearing up, with nearly three months to go before the grand departure.
“We are ready” Joseph Bizard - CEO of OC Group
One hundred days before the start of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, Joseph Bizard, CEO of OC Group, says he is "particularly enthusiastic about delivering this historic event." "We are at a crossroads, just under four years after the last edition," he notes. "Our anticipation is matched only by the passionate work carried out by our teams." Like the skippers, partners, local authorities, and volunteers involved, the CEO of OC Group affirms: "Collectively, we are ready and we are all eager to see everything we have undertaken come to fruition."
This 13th edition promises to be exceptional from a sporting perspective, given the prestigious lineup of skippers. To date, 118 skippers will participate in this race, the biggest offshore racing event of the season. "We are fortunate to have all the ULTIMs, all the Ocean Fifties, and a very high level of competition in the IMOCA class on the starting line." and a very large fleet in Class40, in Vintage Multi "And for Vintage Mono, the legends will be both the skippers and the boats!" summarizes race director Francis Le Goff. All participants will meet again in the fall, on September 22nd, for the official presentation of the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe.
Qualification, a first step for the skippers
Registering for the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe isn't enough to guarantee participation. To be eligible to start, all skippers in every class, without exception, must complete a qualifying race. This involves a 1,200-nautical-mile solo course, with 10% of the sailing time in 20-25 knot upwind conditions. According to Francis Le Goff, "This is an opportunity for each skipper to thoroughly understand their boat, its strengths and weaknesses, and to gain greater control before the start."
There are two options for completing the qualification: either sailing on a course pre-arranged by race control, or participating in a qualifying race. Competitors in the ULTIM class and some in the IMOCA class opted for the first option. Others participated in races such as the Dhream Cup, which took place in recent days. Skippers in the Ocean Fifty, Class40, Vintage Mono, and Vintage Multi classes took advantage of this opportunity to validate their participation. In total, 70 skippers have already secured their qualification. For the remaining skippers, the deadline is September 20th. Finally, it should be noted that reserve skippers must also complete this qualification.
The countdown has begun, more than ever.
Beyond the qualifying rounds, participants in the next edition are working behind the scenes to be ready for race day . Some are racking up sailing sessions throughout the summer, while others are taking advantage of the break to complete final maintenance. The goal? To check all systems, replace worn or faulty parts, and ensure everything is working properly. Most will take a few days off to rest and recharge. After the summer break, sailing will resume, and time will be of the essence: all sailors are expected in Saint-Malo the week the race village opens, on Tuesday, October 20th, while the race itself will start on Sunday, November 1st .
The arrival and departure of the carefully prepared boats
The race committee is also working hard to be ready for race day. In conjunction with the maritime prefecture, they are preparing all the navigation regulations that will be in effect in Saint-Malo and Pointe-à-Pitre. These regulations will inform all recreational boaters, as well as professionals in the sector – fishing and commercial vessels – so they can make the necessary arrangements. In Saint-Malo, for example, the passage through the locks requires adjustments to road and pedestrian traffic flow to ensure everyone's safety. Furthermore, the ULTIM trimarans will require specific, removable port facilities to facilitate their entry and exit from the lock.
From Saint-Malo to Guadeloupe, the territories are fully mobilized
Nearly three months before the start of the festivities, local authorities in Saint-Malo and Guadeloupe are fully prepared. Security, welcoming competitors, visitor experience: the city of Saint-Malo and the surrounding area are "fully mobilized alongside the organizer to guarantee a high-quality event," assures Mayor Gilles Lurton. Significant work, notably to ensure the village is 100% electric, has been accelerated to be operational during the event.
Furthermore, significant work has been done to strengthen the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe's local ties by engaging a broad and diverse audience. All the key events and festive gatherings organized by the municipality are themed around the race, such as "Jeux en fête" (Games in Celebration), held last May. In parallel, from now until October, the race trophy is on display in each of the 18 municipalities of the greater Guadeloupe area. More generally, "the preparatory phase has ended and gives way to the operational phase," assures Gilles Lurton.
A meeting dedicated to safety, with all stakeholders, was held in mid-June. Finally, the setup of the village facilities will begin in mid-September. The enthusiasm is also palpable on the other side of the Atlantic, in Guadeloupe, where the skippers will be celebrated in style. More than 300,000 people are expected to attend their arrivals. “With 100 days to go, the excitement is already palpable at the prospect of experiencing once again one of the greatest human and sporting adventures of our time,” affirms Ary Chalus, President of the Regional Council of Guadeloupe. “The Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe draws its strength from the maritime identity of our region, from the deep attachment of our citizens to this race, and from the full diversity of our archipelago.”
The President of the Regional Council of Guadeloupe asserts that the race is "a fantastic showcase to highlight our expertise, our culture, our capacity for innovation and our hospitality. It also reminds us of the exceptional richness of our territory, but also our collective responsibility to preserve it, enhance it and pass it on to future generations."
A palpable momentum to bring together a wide audience and committed partners
Between October 20 and November 2, more than 1.2 million spectators are expected during the 13 days of the race village in Saint-Malo. This 70,000 m² space will bring together all the partners and stakeholders of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe. The momentum and dynamism generated by the event allow for the gathering of economic players with national and international reach. This is particularly true of Alpina, a watchmaker renowned for its spirit of exploration since 1883, which will be the Official Timekeeper of the race. “With 100 days to go until the start, we are particularly excited to be part of this exceptional race, where mastery of time, precision, and reliability are absolute requirements,” says Yasmina Pedrini, Alpina's Communications Director. To celebrate the race and to demonstrate its strong involvement, Alpina will produce two timepieces designed specifically for this Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe.