Young French skipper Basile Bourgnon secured a remarkable victory in the Ocean Fifty class during the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe early this morning. Bourgnon’s win, which included breaking the previous record by 1 day, 4 hours, 25 minutes, and 29 seconds, came after a thrilling contest that lasted 9 days, 17 hours, and 10 minutes.
Crossing the finish line at 1:12 AM local time, Bourgnon demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, overcoming numerous challenges including a tropical depression, the loss of his J0 headsail, and a late surge from competitors. His win continues a rich family legacy, as he follows in the footsteps of his late father, Laurent Bourgnon, who won the overall race in 1994 and 1998.
The race began with a clear Atlantic, but competitors faced complex weather systems that tested their navigation skills. Bourgnon, the pre-race favourite, executed a brilliant strategy from the start, maintaining his lead and achieving a top speed of 43.1 knots, a new record for his boat, Edenred.
As the race progressed, Bourgnon expanded his lead to an impressive 117 miles. However, the final leg proved challenging, requiring him to navigate tricky conditions around Guadeloupe. Despite setbacks, he remained focused and ultimately crossed the finish line under the cover of night.
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