Guirec Soudée (Liamm) crossed the finish line in fourth place at 16:31:43 (UTC) this Monday. Very light wind conditions are expected across the Caribbean arc over the next 48 hours, likely reshuffling some of the packs. Corentin Horeau (MACSF) is expected to arrive in Pointe-à-Pitre tomorrow afternoon, heading toward a victory that could be unprecedented in the IMOCA class. The leaders in the Ocean Fifty and Class40 classes are set to face a wide-open race once again.
Horeau continues to keep his pack of pursuers at a safe distance in the IMOCA class, but victories in the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe’s Ocean Fifty and Class40 fleets are less certain. A leading trio has emerged among the 50-foot trimarans, while seven determined rivals are ready to make their move in Class40. The Atlantic is calming down for the next 48 hours, making it possible for rankings to change all the way to Guadeloupe.
Horeau looks poised for victory with 200 miles to the finish line and a 220-mile lead. However, a fierce competition is underway for second and third on the IMOCA podium. Franco Brit Sam Goodchild (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) lost some distance in the last 24 hours and is currently in fourth place, now 20 miles behind Elodie Bonafous (Assocation Petits Princes Quéguiner). Goodchild confirmed he has had some sail damage to fix and had to climb the mast to sort things out.
In the Ocean Fifty class, three skippers appear in contention for the win: Basile Bourgnon (Edenred), Thibaut Vauchel-Camus (Solidaires en Peloton By Delanchy), and Pierre Quiroga (Wewise). Newcomer Léonard Legrand (Sodebo Fifty) is also closing the gap, though he remains 50 miles behind the leaders. The question remains about the missing sail from Bourgnon’s inventory, and whether it could impact his performance.
As the Class40s enter the final third of their transatlantic crossing, seven boats are separated by just 50 miles. Achille Nebout (Amarris) is leading, but the route remains wide open. The final leg of the race is proving to be an exciting showdown as competitors push through the variable conditions ahead.
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