On November 18, 1990, Florence Arthaud became a legend. She crossed the finish line in Pointe-à-Pitre. She had passed 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.
Between tenacity, courage and ideal, this coronation crowned a passionate relationship of more than a decade between the sailor and this solo transatlantic. First woman — and only to date — to win the Route du Rhum, it has drawn a trail that remains an absolute reference as the 2026 edition is on the horizon.
Outstanding technical and physical performance
The 1990 victory was not only a sporting success, but a real demonstration of resilience in the face of major damage. During much of the crossing, a radio outage deprived the navigator of any contact with land. She also did not receive accurate weather reports.
Alone facing the Atlantic, she had to lead her 18-meter multihull while dealing with a particularly disabling cervical hernia.
By winning over the best skippers of the time using instinct and technical mastery, she proved that strategy at sea knew no gender.
Arriving at Le Gosier: a moment in history
The arrival of Florence Arthaud left a lasting impression on the Guadeloupe archipelago. The arrival of the Route du Rhum, the crossing of the line, in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, often considered off the coast of Pointe de la Verdure, is the most spectacular moment. For enthusiasts gathered on the coast, seeing these giants of the seas pass the Pointe du Gosier remains unforgettable.
Ideally located on the seafront, facing this mythical passage, the hotel in Gosier in Guadeloupe, La Créole Beach Hotel & Spa, is at the forefront of this historic excitement. The triumph of the navigator contributed to popularizing the Route du Rhum far beyond insider circles, transforming the reception of sailors at the Pointe-à-Pitre Dock into a true local tradition and an ideal opportunity to plan a stay in Guadeloupe.
Heading for the Route du Rhum 2026
On November 1, 2026, a new fleet of giants of the seas will set off from Saint-Malo for the 13th edition of the “Transat de la Liberté”.
Thirty-six years after the historic coronation of the woman who was nicknamed “The Little Bride of the Atlantic”, the skippers who will join our shores will all have in mind the wake traced by this pioneer. This heritage continues to inspire travelers who come to discover vibrant Guadeloupe, where the authenticity of Creole culture blends with a passion for the ocean.
Experiencing the arrival of the Route du Rhum means immersing yourself in an extraordinary human and sporting adventure, driven by the unique fervour of Guadeloupeans. Between the adrenaline of the last nautical miles and the sweet life of the archipelago, this new edition of the Route du Rhum 2026 promises moments of pure emotion to share. Stay in La Creole Beach Hotel & Spameans choosing to experience this event in the heart of the hustle and bustle, while taking advantage of an exceptional setting to celebrate, in turn, the new heroes of the Atlantic and the arrival of the winner of La Route du Rhum.
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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.