Route du Rhum Guadeloupe 2026: dates, course route, boats, and finish in Pointe-à-Pitre
🌊 Everything you need to know about the 2026 Route du Rhum Guadeloupe
There are times when Guadeloupe comes alive a little more than usual. The Route du Rhum is one of them.
The Route du Rhum 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the major highlights in the sailing world. This legendary race will once again connects Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre. In this article, discover all the essential information: the dates of the 2026 edition, the route map, the detailed transatlantic course, as well as the different boats and skippers competing.
Imagine this: the sun rises over the bay of Pointe-à-Pitre, the first boats appear on the horizon, the docks begin to fill, all eyes turn to the sea… and then, a skipper cuts through the water after thousands of kilometers sailed solo. Silence—then an explosion of applause. Welcome to the finish of the Route du Rhum in Guadeloupe. An event you have to experience at least once!
📅 Route du Rhum: how often does it take place?
The Route du Rhum takes place every 4 years. The last edition was held in 2022, which means the next one is scheduled for 2026.
📅 Route du Rhum 2026: dates
The official start of the Route du Rhum 2026 is scheduled for November 1st from Saint-Malo. The arrival in Guadeloupe is expected in mid-November 2026 (depending on race conditions). You’ll be able to enjoy the event village in Guadeloupe starting from November 6th, 2026.
Credit: www.routedurhum.com official website
🌍 Route du Rhum Route: From Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre
On a map, the route looks simple: connecting Saint-Malo, in Brittany, to Pointe-à-Pitre, in Guadeloupe. In reality, it’s a voyage of more than 3,500 nautical miles (about 6,500 km)… solo. The race starts from the famous pirate city of Saint-Malo on November 1 at 1:02 p.m.
Route du Rhum : Estimated Arrival dates in Guadeloupe
🔹 Ultim (maxi-trimarans): November 7–9, 2026
🔹 Ocean Fifty: November 11–14, 2026
🔹 IMOCA: November 12–16, 2026
🔹 Class40: November 15–19, 2026
🔹 Vintage Multi (new in 2026): November 13–21, 2026
🔹 Vintage Mono (new in 2026): November 19–26, 2026
How does the Route du Rhum work? (and which boats are in the race)
On paper, the Route du Rhum seems simple: a starting line, a finish line, and the Atlantic Ocean in between. In reality… it’s a whole different story.
A solo, non-stop crossing
Each skipper sets sail from Saint-Malo with a single goal: to reach Pointe-à-Pitre as quickly as possible… without any assistance. During the race: no stops, no crew, no breaks. Contrary to what one might think, the boats do not follow a straight line. Each skipper must choose their route based on: winds, currents, low-pressure systems, and weather risks. Some head further north, while others head south in search of the trade winds. It’s a mix of performance, instinct, and strategy.
🚤 Very different boats… but the same goal
The Route du Rhum is unique in this respect as well: boats of various types compete in the same race. There are six boat classes, including four professional classes and two amateur classes.
These include, in particular:
Boats | Descriptions | Average sailing time | Winner and times for 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
🔹 The IMOCAs: 40 sailors competing | The boats of the Vendée Globe. Modern 60-foot (18.28-meter) monohulls. They are recognizable by their foils (a type of wing) that allow them to rise slightly above the water to gain speed. | ⏱️ 11 to 15 day | Thomas RUYANT : 11 days 17 hours et 36 minutes |
🔹 Les Ocean Fifty | More compact yet highly efficient trimarans. Spectacular and highly technical, these are 50-foot (15-meter) multihulls. | ⏱️ 8 to 11 days | Erwan LE ROUX 10 days 19 hours |
🔹 The Ultim 32/23: 7 sailors competing | The most impressive are the trimarans, which are 32 meters long and 23 meters wide. They are ultra-fast, gigantic, and capable of “flying” above the water. They are often the first to cross the finish line. They can reach speeds of over 30 knots (≈ 55 km/h). | ⏱️ 6 to 8 days | Charles CAUDRELIER 6 day 19 hours 47 minutes 🏆 All-time record |
🔹 The Class40s: 40 sailors competing | More accessible, yet still highly competitive, these are 40-foot (12.18-meter) monohulls. This is often the category with the most participants. It brings together experienced skippers and up-and-coming talent. | ⏱️ 14 to 18 days | Yoann RICHOMME 14 jours 3 heures et 8 minutes 🏆Winner for the second time |
🔹 Les Vintage Multi et Vintage Mono | The Mono and Multi Rum categories are being replaced by the new Vintage Mono and Vintage Multi classes. This lineup includes powerful monohulls, impressive multihulls, and, above all, the return of legendary trimarans, such as the former ORMA class. | Vintage Multi: ⏱️ 12 to 20 days Vintage Mono: ⏱️ 18 to 25 days | News 2026 |
⛵ What is the Route du Rhum?
The Route du Rhum is a solo transatlantic race connecting Saint-Malo (France) to Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe). Established in 1978, it has become one of the major events in international sailing. Every four years, experienced skippers, both professional and amateur, cross the Atlantic in various classes of boats. Originally, the Route du Rhum: Destination Guadeloupe was intended to bring rum and its culture back into the international spotlight. The initiative was spearheaded by Bernard Hass, the secretary general of the Syndicate of Sugar and Rum Producers of the Antilles. It was Florent de Kersauson who suggested creating a sailing race, and Michel Etevenon who officially announced its launch. The Route du Rhum takes place every four years. So if you’re wondering when the next Route du Rhum is, just add 4 to the 2026 edition!
📍 Where can you watch the Route du Rhum finish in Guadeloupe?
The heart of the event is Pointe-à-Pitre. This is where the Route du Rhum village for the Guadeloupe leg will be located. The village in Guadeloupe opens on November 6, 2026. For several days, the race villages come alive, with concerts and entertainment events multiplying, and restaurants and bars broadcasting the arrivals.
Must-see spots:
The Darse de Pointe-à-Pitre → the main arrival point
The port and the docks → a lively atmosphere
Bas-du-Fort (Le Gosier) → unobstructed views of the harbor
Sainte-Anne / Le Moule → to watch boats passing by offshore
Et entre deux arrivées ? plage, excursions, marchés locaux… parce qu’on reste en Guadeloupe quand même.
Credit: Official Route du Rhum 2022 website, Ewan Lebourdais
FAQ – Route du Rhum Guadeloupe
When does the Route du Rhum arrive in Guadeloupe?
The first boats arrive about 10 to 15 days after the start, usually in mid-November.
How long does the race last?
Between 7 and 20 days, depending on the boat categories and weather conditions.
Where can you see the boats in Pointe-à-Pitre?
Mainly at La Darse, along the docks, and throughout the port area.
Is it crowded?
Yes, especially for the first arrivals. The atmosphere is very festive.
Can you watch multiple arrivals?
Yes, the arrivals are spread out over time, so you can see several of them.
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