Image: Image: Justine Metraux (Teamwork.net). Crédit Arnaud Pilpré 2022 Route du Rhum
The Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe, created in 1978 by Michel Etevenon, is a legendary solo transatlantic race held every four years, linking Saint-Malo, Brittany, to Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, over a course of approximately 3,542 nautical miles. Considered the queen of solo transatlantic races, it is distinguished by the diversity of its boat classes and its unique mix of professionals, leading figures in sailing, and amateur sailors gathered on the same starting line. For nearly half a century, this extraordinary human adventure has connected France to the Caribbean, offering a uniquely intense confrontation between solo sailors, these “sea warriors” in search of the absolute, and the Atlantic Ocean.
One of France’s most popular sporting events, the race draws millions of spectators to both the start and finish lines. Every four years, Saint-Malo becomes the stage for a spectacular and festive departure, while Guadeloupe hosts a triumphant arrival, extending the “magic of the Route du Rhum.” This legendary transatlantic race offers the public a powerful invitation to escape and wonder, fueled by the solo feat and the skippers’ dream of the open horizon.
The current record is held by Charles Caudrelier, the last winner of the 2022 edition, after 6 days 19 hours 47 minutes and 25 seconds at sea aboard his Ultim Gitana 17.
The Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe, created in 1978 by Michel Etevenon, is a legendary solo transatlantic race held every four years, linking Saint-Malo, Brittany, to Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, over a course of approximately 3,542 nautical miles. Considered the queen of solo transatlantic races, it is distinguished by the diversity of its boat classes and its unique mix of professionals, leading figures in sailing, and amateur sailors gathered on the same starting line. For nearly half a century, this extraordinary human adventure has connected France to the Caribbean, offering a uniquely intense confrontation between solo sailors, these “sea warriors” in search of the absolute, and the Atlantic Ocean.
One of France’s most popular sporting events, the race draws millions of spectators to both the start and finish lines. Every four years, Saint-Malo becomes the stage for a spectacular and festive departure, while Guadeloupe hosts a triumphant arrival, extending the “magic of the Route du Rhum.” This legendary transatlantic race offers the public a powerful invitation to escape and wonder, fueled by the solo feat and the skippers’ dream of the open horizon.
History
A sail bearing a portrait, seen from water level
The first edition, won by Mike Birch by just 98 seconds, immediately became legendary. Held every four years between Saint-Malo and Pointe-à-Pitre, it quickly became the most popular ocean race in France.
It brings together professionals and amateurs, women and men on the same starting line, a rare occurrence in high-level sport.
Over the years, it has accompanied technological revolutions, notably the spectacular rise of giant multihulls.
Legendary sailors like Florence Arthaud, Laurent Bourgnon and Francis Joyon forged their legend there.
The race is also marked by storms, abandonments and sometimes tragedies, recalling the harshness of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Course
Destination Guadeloupe race connects Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre over a theoretical distance of approximately 3,542 nautical miles (6,559 km), entirely solo. Competitors first cross the western English Channel, then round the tip of Brittany via the Ushant Traffic Separation Scheme, before entering the Bay of Biscay, an area renowned for its rapid depressions, rough seas, and powerful winds. The subsequent descent of the Atlantic takes place off the European coast to avoid coastal effects and fishing grounds.
The positioning of the Azores High is the major strategic element of the race: depending on its location, the skippers choose a more or less westerly route to avoid calms or headwinds. Once past its southern edge, the fleet enters the northeast trade wind regime, relatively stable downwind conditions allowing for high speeds but accompanied by a sustained swell and tropical squalls.
Approaching the Lesser Antilles presents the final technical challenge: accelerations under the terrain, wind shadows, local currents, and inter-island traffic complicate navigation. The obligatory detour around Guadeloupe to the north necessitates a tactical maneuver before descending to the bay of Pointe-à-Pitre, where the finish line is marked after a crossing that demands mastery of weather patterns, endurance, and pure performance across the entire North Atlantic.
Where dreams set sail
The Route du Rhum is a legendary race, and also a great popular tribute to all those who feel free to go wherever their dreams lead them. This same tribute keeps alive the spirit of those who one day “set sail” called by the Route du Rhum.
Legacy
This race promises the raw emotion of an ocean sprint that has become legendary.
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