Route du Rhum: What It Is and When It Takes Place

The Route du Rhum is one of the most exciting and legendary sailing competitions in the world. This solo transoceanic race, held every four years, brings together the best sailors in the world for an epic journey from Saint-Malo, France, to Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

Route du Rhum 2022: An Epic Journey Full of Challenges and Records

The 2022 edition was one of the most anticipated events in the sailing world. With 138 competitors at the starting line, this race stood out not only for the high level of participants but also for the tough weather conditions they faced from the beginning.

On November 9, after a two-day delay due to Hurricane Martin, the sailors set off from Saint-Malo to cover the 3,542 nautical miles separating them from Pointe-à-Pitre. This journey not only tests nautical skills but also the physical and mental endurance of the sailors, who must make strategic decisions amid storms and rough seas.

The Magic of This Legendary Race

Every four years, the city of Saint-Malo becomes the epicenter of ocean sailing. The atmosphere at the docks is one of true celebration, and fans have the chance to see the boats up close and meet the sailors. In 2022, the city once again dressed up to welcome the 138 competitors participating in this epic race, as the docks buzzed with activity and excitement over an area of 70,000 square meters.

History of the Route du Rhum

The Route du Rhum was born in 1978 with the aim of creating a transatlantic race in which solo sailors could demonstrate their skills.

The journey, which starts in Saint-Malo and ends in Guadeloupe, is named after one of the most representative products of the Caribbean island: rum.

Since its first edition, this competition has witnessed some of the most exciting battles in sailing history, such as Mike Birch's victory in 1978, when he won the race by just 98 seconds.

Where Does the Route du Rhum Start and End?

This race challenges sailors to cross the North Atlantic in a journey of over 6,000 kilometers. It starts in Saint-Malo, France, and ends in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe. Throughout its history, it has attracted both professional and amateur sailors, offering a unique mix of adventure and competition.

How Long Does It Last?

The duration of the Route du Rhum depends on the weather conditions and the skills of the competitors.

In 2022, sailor Charles Caudrelier broke all records by completing the journey in 6 days, 19 hours, 47 minutes, and 25 seconds aboard his trimaran Ultim.

Other competitors can take up to20 days to complete the route, depending on the boats and the strategies used during the race.

A Transatlantic Challenge of 3,542 Nautical Miles

The course of the Route du Rhum has remained unchanged since its inception.

In 2022, sailors faced extreme conditions from the start, with winds of up to 30 knots and rough seas.

Most sailors opted for different strategies, some veering west in search of better weather conditions, while others decided to tackle the Bay of Biscay head-on.

When Is the Race Held?

The Route du Rhum is held every four years in November, when the Atlantic conditions are at their most challenging. This adds an additional level of difficulty, as sailors must navigate storms, winds, and other adverse weather conditions. The delayed start of the 2022 race due to Hurricane Martin is an example of the extreme conditions the competitors face.

The next edition of the Route du Rhum will be held in October 2026.

As usual, this transatlantic race will take place between Saint-Malo, France, and Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, maintaining its solo format and a course of 3,542 nautical miles (approximately 6,560 km)

What Kind of Boats Participate?

The Route du Rhum is unique for the great diversity of boats that participate in it. Competitors sail in six different classes, ranging from the 32-meter Ultims, the fastest and largest boats in the competition, to more traditional vessels like the 12-meter monohulls. This diversity of boats makes the competition even more interesting, as each class has its own challenges and finish times.

• Ultime: The largest and fastest trimarans.
• Multi50: Multihulls up to 50 feet.
• IMOCA: Monohulls also used in the Vendée Globe.
• Class40: 40-foot monohulls.
• Rhum: Smaller and more traditional boats.

Key Players and Boat Classes in 2022

In 2022, the boats in the Ultim class put on an impressive show. Charles Caudrelier was the main protagonist, setting a new record by completing the journey in less than 7 days. In the Ocean Fifty class, the 15-meter trimarans fought fiercely, while the IMOCA class saw an exciting battle between Charlie Dalin and Thomas Ruyant, with Ruyant taking the victory.

Challenging Moments and Strategic Decisions

The Route du Rhum 2022 was marked by dramatic moments, such as the accident that knocked Yann Eliès out of the competition. Throughout the journey, competitors faced storms, breakdowns, and dismastings, forcing many to make repairs in the middle of the ocean, as in the case of Armel Le Cléac’h, who had to stop after colliding with a buoy.

The Arrival in Guadeloupe

After intense days of sailing, the first competitors arrived in Guadeloupe. Caudrelier's arrival was met with euphoria, both by his supporters and local fans. Although not everyone achieved victory, those who completed this monumental endurance test earned the respect and admiration of the global sailing community.