Every four years, the Atlantic Ocean becomes the stage for one of the most extreme and fascinating sporting competitions in the world: the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe. This solo transatlantic race links the privateer city of Saint-Malo to the turquoise waters of Pointe-à-Pitre.
Whether you're a seasoned sailor or simply a Guadeloupe enthusiast ready to feel the excitement of the arrivals, here are 10 essential things to know about this legendary race.
1. An exclusively solo race
Unlike other famous regattas, the Route du Rhum is a transatlantic race solo. The sailor is the sole master on board throughout the entire crossing, having to manage navigation, weather, equipment breakage, and lack of sleep, making it an extraordinary physical and mental challenge.
The race takes place every four years, in November (the next edition is in 2026!).
2. A 3,542-nautical-mile course
The official route covers approximately 3,542 nautical miles (just over 6,500 kilometers) in a straight line. Skippers leave the cold and often rough waters of the English Channel off Brittany, cross the formidable Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean, to finally catch the trade winds and glide to the finish line in the Lesser Antilles, Guadeloupe.
3. A legendary 98-second finish in the inaugural edition
The very first edition in 1978 delivered a finish worthy of a Hollywood script. Canadian Mike Birch, on his small 12-meter trimaran, narrowly beat Michel Malinovsky's large monohull. The difference at the finish line? Just 98 seconds after 23 days of racing! This victory marked the beginning of multihulls' supremacy over monohulls.
4. The intriguing origin of its name
Why is it called the "Route du Rhum"? The original idea came in 1978 from advertiser Michel Etevenon. The West Indies Rum Producers' Association was looking to promote its flagship product. The race was thus named to celebrate the historical and commercial link between mainland France and the West Indies, with rum becoming the festive and warm symbol of the finish line.
5. The all-time record is under 7 days!
Technological advancements in boats are staggering. In the 2022 edition, skipper Charles Caudrelier, aboard the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild from the Ultim Class, broke the record. He sailed from Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre in just 6 days, 19 hours, 47 minutes, and 25 seconds.
6. Boats that "fly" above the water
The boats in the premier category, the "Ultims," are giants of the seas, measuring up to 32 meters long. Thanks to appendages called "foils," these trimarans lift above the water's surface to reduce drag. They can thus reach incredible speeds exceeding 45 knots (over 80 km/h) in the open ocean.
7. Florence Arthaud, the "Sweetheart of the Atlantic"
The Route du Rhum also has its female legends. In 1990, Florence Arthaud became the first woman to win this race.
She is also one of the first women to win a major ocean race. She proved to the entire world that offshore sailing is not reserved for men. Her achievement remains etched in the memory of all Guadeloupeans.
8. A unique blend of professionals and amateurs
The Route du Rhum's essence is its mixed nature.
On the same starting line, world sailing stars (professional skippers on ultra-sophisticated machines) rub shoulders with passionate amateur sailors (doctors, artisans, business leaders...) who have often sacrificed several years of their lives to fulfill the dream of crossing the Atlantic.
9. Guadeloupe in Celebration
The arrival of the Route du Rhum is a national event in Guadeloupe. As the boats near Place de la Victoire in Pointe-à-Pitre, the atmosphere is electric.
Thousands of people gather on the Darse, day and night, to welcome the skippers to the sound of gwoka music, around the race villages where local cuisine and, of course, rum, are celebrated.
10. A Thrilling Island Circuit and a Spectacular Sea Finish
The Route du Rhum finish isn't just about entering a port! Before crossing the finish line, skippers must complete a full circumnavigation of the island from the west (the leeward coast).
This final stage is one of the most feared: the high mountains of Basse-Terre, particularly the Soufrière volcano, create "wind shadows" (areas without wind) capable of bringing a boat to a complete halt and shaking up the rankings just a few miles from the finish!
The official finish line is actually crossed offshore, in the open sea, before skippers parade towards the pontoons of Pointe-à-Pitre. In this very last stretch, the boats sail along the south coast of Grande-Terre. This is where La Créole Beach Hôtel & Spa, ideally located on Pointe de la Verdure in Le Gosier, becomes a prime vantage point. Imagine scanning the horizon from the hotel beach to spot the immense sails of the winners cutting through the Caribbean Sea...
After experiencing the adrenaline of this sea finish and enjoying the atmosphere of the nearby official village, our 4-star hotel will be your perfect refuge to relax by the water or at Spa La Créole.
Ready to experience the suspense of the Route du Rhum 2026 under the Guadeloupe sun? Book your stay in Guadeloupe now, at La Créole Beach Hôtel & Spa. Get a front-row seat to welcome the heroes of the Atlantic!
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Florence Arthaud: The women's victory in the Route du Rhum
On November 18, 1990, Florence Arthaud became a legend. She crossed the finish line in Pointe-à-Pitre. She had spent 14 days, 10 hours and 10 minutes at sea. She had dreamed of this victory aboard her Pierre I trimaran since her very first participation in 1978.
The Route du Rhum: 45 years of legend in Guadeloupe
For 45 years, the Route du Rhum has been rocking the Atlantic and ending in apotheosis in Guadeloupe. More than a race, it is a maritime legend combining human exploits, nautical innovation and celebration in the heart of the archipelago.