Route du Rhum Class40 – Results
1st – Achille Nebout, Amarris)
2nd – Guillaume Pirouelle (Sogestran Seafrigo)
3rd – Pierre Leboucher (Institut Imagine)
Following an exciting final showdown on the final passage, Achille Nebout secured a hard-earned victory, crossing the finish line in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe at 0904hrs (local time) / 13:04:05hrs UTC. By completing the solo ocean sprint in 14 days, 14h 1m 2s 45s, he wins the Route du Rhum’s biggest class which had 49 starters off Saint Malo two weeks ago on Sunday, 1st November. He sets a new course record, finishing 2h 5m 55s faster than Yoann Richomme’s 2022 record.
Guillaume Pirouelle (Sogestran Seafrigo) finished second, trailing by 26 minutes and 50 seconds, while Pierre Leboucher (Institut Imagine) secured third place.
The victory marks a significant achievement for the 36-year-old solo skipper from near Montpellier. Nebout races a Lift v2 boat, previously sailed by Yoann Richomme, which won this race four years ago. After losing a substantial lead during the final lap, he managed to maintain his composure to win against Pirouelle, who had closed the gap significantly.
Achille Nebout described the race as the hardest of his life, battling against the elements and his own limits. He stated, “I never once thought I would win the Route du Rhum; it wasn’t part of the plan!” However, as he approached the finish line, he realised victory was within reach.
The race saw competitors navigating a challenging course due to light winds, which forced them to take a route north of the great-circle path. Nebout employed strategic sailing to build and maintain a lead, ultimately securing his position and clinching the title.
Achille Nebout’s journey to this victory has been marked by significant experiences, including previous participation in the Figaro circuit and other prestigious races. His win today not only solidifies his reputation as a formidable sailor but also showcases his growth and determination in the sport.
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