It is already the home stretch, and for the 118 skippers, the pressure is mounting. 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.

The bar has never been set so high in each of the six categories. Over the past four years, sailors, naval architects, and technicians have constantly pushed the limits, revolutionizing offshore racing with a single goal: going ever faster! Ultim, Ocean Fifty, IMOCA, Class40, Vintage Multi, and Vintage Mono: the “race within the race” across the six boat classes promises to be thrilling, with high stakes, suspense, and a level of competition fiercer than ever! All of this only further boosts 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 really can’t wait!” Echoing the other competing 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 taken a start with so many boats on the line; it promises to be particularly intense!” This ocean sprint between Saint-Malo and Pointe-à-Pitre has the ability to transcend sailors, bring generations together, and create memories that last a lifetime. Francis Joyon (OCEANS, Vintage Multi), the 2018 winner, puts it his own way: “It has always been a very powerful experience. These are great moments of passion and adventure.”

This year, for the 13th edition, 118 skippers will be on the starting line. The entry list, now finalized, has grown in recent days with the addition of Guirec Soudée in the Ultim class and Alexis Thomas in Class40. Across the board, the pressure is mounting for the skippers, and time is ticking to be fully prepared before this intense ocean sprint. As they enter the home stretch, favorites are plentiful, outsiders are lying in wait, and many will do whatever it takes to join the battle at the front of the fleet.

Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe – photo © Jean Louis-Carli / Fact Story

A wealth of talent and suspense in every category

In the Ultim class, Armel Le Cléac’h (Maxi Banque Populaire XI) and Tom Laperche (SVR Lazartigue) enter as favorites, while defending champion Charles Caudrelier (Maxi Edmond de Rothschild) will be highly anticipated for his first race aboard his revolutionary flying boat. In the IMOCA class, the showdown promises to be thrilling between proven boats (Jérémie Beyou’s Charal, Sam Goodchild’s Macif, Francesca Clapcich’s 11th Hour Racing) and those newly launched (Sébastien Simon’s Groupe Dubreuil, Boris Herrmann’s Malizia 4).

Among the Ocean Fifty fleet, the most experienced sailors notably Erwan Le Roux (Plastic Odyssey Fifty) and Thibault Vauchel-Camus (Solidaires en Peloton) will have to battle against a new generation led by Basile Bourgnon (Edenred), Pierre Quiroga (Wewise), and Baptiste Hulin (Viabilis Oceans).

Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe © Alexis Courcoux

As for the Class40s, more than a dozen skippers are capable of upsetting 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 clash between the Ormas, these former trimarans, promises to be exciting: there will be four of them on the starting line, including Francis Joyon (OCEANS) and Damien Seguin (Arkéa – Handicap International). The performance of these boats could even allow them to rival the Ocean Fifties.

In Vintage Mono, 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). They all symbolize the extreme diversity of the fleet, where offshore racing legends, experienced sailors, seasoned amateurs, and daring youngsters rub shoulders.

These women and men, accustomed to the hardships of the open sea, are preparing to navigate autumn storms to experience a tremendous challenge. They will leave behind the bustling energy of Saint-Malo, carrying the cheers of the crowd with them all the way to Cape Fréhel before heading offshore. There will be trials, doubts, and introspection, but also the pushing of personal limits and an incredible sense of freedom. It will be a rollercoaster of emotions throughout this ocean sprint, with the horizon promising the unforgettable, warm welcome that awaits them in Guadeloupe.

Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe – photo © Alexis Courcoux

A new edition and numerous innovations

The official presentation of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, held this Tuesday afternoon at the Folies Bergère in the presence of 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 inaugural edition of the “Off du Rhum.” Launched by the City of Saint-Malo, Saint-Malo Agglomération, 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 municipalities through activities, meet-and-greets, concerts, and other cultural events.

Running in parallel will be the Art Explora Festival, held aboard France’s first museum-boat. This concept offers a unique exhibition open to all, alongside a program of shows, dance, concerts, and performances running throughout the duration of the race village. The youngest fans have not been forgotten: to help them follow the race, an educational kit has been made available to teachers. Based on the race route, it allows school subjects to be taught through the skippers’ adventures. Furthermore, for the first time in offshore racing, a child-friendly race tracker will be set up by the organizer. It is a multitude of initiatives that will allow a broad and intergenerational audience to share in the excitement throughout the entire Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe!

Julie Coutts, General Manager of OC Sport Pen Duick: “The essence and DNA of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe are the 118 skippers who will take the start. As organizers, our role is that of a stage director, and we strive to provide the finest stage possible for the skippers. We are committed to delivering a top-tier sporting competition, but also an event that is both popular and accessible.

For the spectators, everything has been designed so that this experience is a fully immersive visit that goes beyond just walking the pontoons. The Rhum Park will bring together a variety of activities, while Art Explora, the world’s first museum-boat, will also be open to the general public. Finally, alongside the city of Saint-Malo, we will launch the first ‘Off du Rhum,’ which will offer entertainment throughout the thirteen days the village is open, across the neighborhoods and streets of the city, as well as in the surrounding municipalities.”

Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe – photo © Jean Louis-Carli / Fact Story

Words from the skippers

Armel Le Cléac’h (Maxi Banque Populaire XI, Ultim): “The Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe is a major goal for me and for the entire team. I have never hidden the strong bond I have with this race: as a child, I would go to the pontoons with my parents, I followed the race on the radio, and I always dreamed of competing in it one day. With the Banque Populaire team, we are preparing for this new edition trying not to overlook a single detail. It’s like an athlete preparing for the Olympic Games: it means years of preparation to be ready on D-Day and to flawlessly execute what we have strived to prepare for. We know that every detail counts as the race approaches and that we will have to be fired up to give it our all right from the starting gun.”

Basile Bourgnon (Edenred, Ocean Fifty): “The Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe is not an insignificant race for anyone. If I had to choose my dream race, it would definitely be this one. I grew up with it; it is deeply rooted in my family history… There is inevitably a little pressure during the preparation because you don’t want to mess up. And in the Ocean Fifty class, it’s going to be awesome: the fleet has rarely been so dense and at this level. There are so many possible twists and turns that we know nothing is decided until the finish line!”

Élodie Bonafous (Association Petits Princes – Quéguiner): “I am very happy to compete in the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe; it is 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 unrestricted course, it is not easy, offering many strategic options and an intense pace. Since my boat was launched in February 2025, everything has moved very quickly. The IMOCA class was my goal, even my dream. And I am lucky enough to set off on the Route du Rhum solo, with a great boat. Gradually, I’ve built up my reflexes and I feel more comfortable on board; I’ve managed to get the hang of it. I am convinced I am right where I hoped to be.”

Alexis Loison (Groupe Réel): “There is inevitably impatience and a lot of excitement. While Class40 is the most represented class, the level is exceptionally high. There is both quality and quantity. It promises a great battle on the water, especially since there is a very significant number of outsiders! What creates the magic of the Route du Rhum is the number of skippers, boats, and different stories. There are several categories and there is something for everyone: it’s somewhat the Olympic Games of offshore racing!”

Francis Joyon (OCEANS, VintageMulti): “The Route du Rhum has always been about strong, intense experiences. They are great moments of passion and adventure, an extreme race too, and that is why I am returning. I am very happy to see that the Route du Rhum is allowing the Orma class to come back to life. These are extraordinary boats, very powerful and highly demanding. On a personal level, I am delighted at the thought of returning aboard a boat that I designed and with which I have shared so many adventures.”

Tanguy Caradec (Eurvad, VintageMono): “Inevitably, a lot of impatience is starting to build. I have been preparing for a year and a half, and I completely understand everyone who says that making it to the start is a victory in itself. All of us think Rhum, sleep Rhum, and live Rhum every single day, and have been for months! I know there will be a lot of emotion at the start, and that it will be a beautiful tribute to my father (Loïc, who was lost at sea during the 1986 Route du Rhum). But for now, I am not thinking too much about the race; I am mostly focused on my preparation. I have never crossed the Atlantic, either crewed or solo. I am approaching this like a regular competitor before setting off on an adventure, with the simple desire of making it to 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 unites our territory with the sea. Our skippers, our craftsmen, and all our driving forces are its ambassadors. Together, we want to make this 13th edition a great moment of gathering and sharing, one that brings to life Guadeloupe, its maritime heritage, its talents, and everything that makes our destination so strong and appealing. We look forward to seeing you in Guadeloupe to celebrate this exceptional event and share all the magic of the finish.”

Gilles Lurton, Mayor of Saint-Malo and President of Saint-Malo Agglomération: “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 that allows our region to shine far beyond our shores. For 13 days, we will be dedicated to helping the many visitors experience all the emotion and fervor of this great gathering. I wish all the skippers a wonderful adventure!”

Loïg Chesnais-Girard, President of the Brittany Region: “Taking the start of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe is an achievement in itself. Behind every boat are years of preparation, doubts overcome, and a desire to push one’s limits. To you, the sailors, I send my admiration and my encouragement. We will follow you closely and share in the excitement throughout your ocean adventures.”

The complete entry list can be found here