Moored in the basins of Saint-Malo since the beginning of the week, the 115 solo skippers are now fully immersed in the latest edition of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe. The main preparations are complete, and only minor details need addressing in the final countdown to the start on Sunday 1st November at 1302hrs. Recent races have provided valuable lessons and insights, with many skippers heading into the race with varying levels of confidence.
Here is an overview of the contenders.
In the Ultim class, technical teams have worked tirelessly to ensure maximum reliability for their maxi-trimarans, implementing significant technical modifications. Actual Ultim 3 (Anthony Marchand) has a new mast, Maxi Banque Populaire XI (Armel Le Cléac’h) features a new daggerboard, and Sodebo Ultim 3 has been equipped with a new set of foils. SVR-Lazartigue (Tom Laperche) has also seen the installation of new foils and rudders.
However, during a training session in mid-September, a collision damaged the starboard appendages of Tom Laperche’s boat, necessitating the reinstallation of the previous starboard foil. “I’d rather have this bit of bad luck before the Route du Rhum,” says Tom, assuring that it does not impact performance. He demonstrated his ability to remain competitive by winning the 24 Heures Ultim shortly after, finishing ahead of Armel Le Cléac’h by just 11 minutes and 29 seconds.
A significant talking point is the new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild (Gitana 18). Charles Caudrelier, the skipper, has yet to fully test his boat against competitors. While he completed a solo qualification in early September, he acknowledges the challenges of developing a boat in such a short timeframe.
In the Ocean Fifty class, predictions are tricky due to numerous variables. However, Basile Bourgnon (Edenred) is viewed as a potential favourite after winning the 24 Heures Ultim and the Dhream Cup. He expressed pride in his team’s preparation but understands that it does not guarantee success in the race. The competition is fierce, with experienced sailors like Thibault Vauchel-Camus (Solidaires en Peloton by Delanchy) and emerging talents like Pierre Quiroga (Wewise) and Léonard Legrand (*Sodebo*).
In the IMOCA category, Sam Goodchild (Macif) has been labelled a favourite due to his impressive track record, yet he has never finished the Route du Rhum. He acknowledges that despite his successes, anything can happen during the race. Other strong competitors include Ambrogio Beccaria (Allagrande Mapei) and Francesca Clapcich (11th Hour Racing).
Among the Vintage Multi class, four ORMAs will compete: Francis Joyon (Océans), Damien Seguin (Arkéa-Handicap International), Éric Péron (French Touch Oceans Club), and Gilles Lamiré (Groupe GCA). Each brings unique strengths, with the potential to finish under ten days.
In the Vintage Mono category, thirteen entrants will vie for victory, though many competitors are unfamiliar with each other. Patrick Isoard (Groupe Cogedis pour enfants du Mékong) is considered a clear favourite due to his experience and preparation. Other notable skippers include Tanguy Caradec (Eurvad) and Sydney Gavignet.
In total, 115 sailors will set off on this latest edition of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe.
#routedurhum.officiel #SailingNews #OceanRace
More Offshore Sailing stories: Click here
