For more than forty years, the Route du Rhum — Destination Guadeloupe has embodied the spirit of sailing, adventure and surpassing oneself. This solo transatlantic race connects Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre each edition, offering a course of more than 6,500 kilometers on the North Atlantic. Its history, its skippers, its boats and its traditions have made the Route du Rhum an unmissable event for all lovers of the sea and thrills.
In the Islands of Guadeloupe, the event takes on a particular dimension: it is on these islands that the race ends in the heart of a spectacular tropical environment. And for more than fifteen years, La Créole Beach Hotel & Spa, an emblematic establishment of the Des Hôtels & Des Îles group, has been the official arrival hotel, offering a privileged perspective on the exploits of sailors and on the beauty of the landscapes.
The history of the Route du Rhum
The Route du Rhum was created in 1978, imagined by Michel Etevenon, who wanted to create a transatlantic race open to all, with no size limits for boats. The first edition starts from Saint-Malo, a historic city in Brittany, and ends in Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe, laying the foundations for what will become a mythical event.
The first arrival will be remembered: Mike Birch, on a light and fast trimaran, crossed the line only 98 seconds ahead of Michel Malinovsky, after 23 days at sea. This spectacular arrival marked the beginning of the legend. From then on, the Route du Rhum was distinguished by its philosophy: races open to professionals and amateurs alike, on monohulls or multihulls, encouraging innovation and surpassing oneself.
Over the years, the race has seen some of the biggest names in sailing pass by. Philippe Poupon, on his 22.80-meter trimaran, dominated the 1986 edition two days ahead of his competitors. In 1990, Florence Arthaud prevailed against skeptics and difficult conditions, despite a hemorrhage and electronic failures, engraving her name in the racing legend. In the 1990s, Laurent Bourgnon thrilled the public with his Primagaz trimaran, winning a memorable race.
The following editions reinforce the international dimension of the race. Skippers such as Loïck Peyron, Francis Joyon or Catherine Chabaud are competing on the Atlantic, each seeking to exceed their limits. The 1998 edition, for example, saw Ellen MacArthur, a 22-year-old English girl, cross the finish line first in her category on a 50-foot monohull, an achievement that perfectly illustrates the spirit of the race: audacity, tenacity and passion.
More recently, the race has continued to write its history with spectacular feats. During the 2018 edition, Francis Joyon set a new Route du Rhum record by crossing the finish line in 7 days, 14 hours, 21 minutes and 47 seconds aboard his IDEC Sport trimaran, in a thrilling final. In 2022, Charles Caudrelier, on the maxi-trimaran Gitana 17, won the event in 6 days, 19 hours, 47 minutes and 25 seconds, setting a new speed record for the race.
Today, the Route du Rhum includes several classes: Ultims, IMOCA, IMOCA, Ocean Fifty, Class 40, Rhum Mono and Rhum Multi, allowing the most innovative boats to compete on the Atlantic. And while technology has evolved, the spirit remains the same: to encourage sailors to push their limits, while making people around the world dream.
The next Route du Rhum 2026 is scheduled for November, and promises to add new feats to this living legend of solo sailing.
The skippers and their challenge
La Route du Rhum is not only a boat race, it is above all a human challenge. Each skipper prepares months, even years, to face the ocean. Solitaire players must master the technical and physical aspects of navigation: boat settings, weather strategies, fatigue and isolation management.
The race is demanding: sleepless nights, storms, giant waves, and constant pressure to stay the course. But it is also a unique experience of freedom and autonomy. Each sailor gets to know himself, to manage his emotions and to face the unknown.
Despite the technicality of modern boats, the race remains true to its original spirit: to allow enlightened amateurs to compete with professionals, and to celebrate innovation and creativity. Skippers then become iconic figures, modern heroes, whose exploits leave a lasting impression on people and inspire new generations of sailors.
Guadeloupe, arrival destination
Arriving in Guadeloupe transforms the archipelago into a real festive scene. Pointe-à-Pitre and its surroundings welcome skippers, their teams, the media and the public for a fortnight of celebration. The event is much more than a race: it is a maritime and cultural festival that mobilizes the entire island.
The ACTe Memorial, a cultural center and place of memory, became a central point of the festivities. Concerts, activities and meetings with skippers punctuate these two weeks, allowing the public to discover the history and culture of Guadeloupe while sharing the passion for sailing.
The impact of the race on the archipelago is significant. In addition to the tourist dimension, it contributes to the promotion of islands and their natural and cultural resources. Visitors can enjoy paradisiacal beaches, rainforest, restaurants, local markets, and historic sites, while witnessing the arrival of boats and experiencing the thrill of the first lines crossed. It is the ideal period to spend your holidays in Guadeloupe!
La Créole Beach Hotel & Spa, official arrival hotel
For more than fifteen years, La Créole Beach Hotel & Spa has played a central role in the Route du Rhum. Located in Grande-Terre, in the heart of a lush tropical garden and on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, the hotel offers a breathtaking view of the arrival of the boats and the finish line, allowing customers to experience the race as if they were privileged.
The establishment welcomes not only skippers and their teams, but also journalists, partners and official guests, offering an ideal setting to combine relaxation and immersion in the race. With 270 recently renovated rooms, modern infrastructures and relaxation areas, the hotel is designed to meet the needs of participants and visitors.
As a technical supplier, La Créole Beach Hotel & Spa supports the organization of the event and promotes Guadeloupe and sailing. According to Carole Adam, Sales and Marketing Director, “this commitment allows us to honor our beautiful region and the passion for sailing. Each edition is a unique opportunity to share the emotion of the race with our customers and partners.”
Over the years, the hotel has become a symbol of the Route du Rhum. Its historic partnership reinforces the image of the race and illustrates the importance of supporting an event that has marked the history of sailing.
Experience the Route du Rhum from the hotel
For visitors, staying at La Créole Beach Hotel & Spa during the Route du Rhum offers a unique experience. From the beach or the hotel terraces, it is possible to follow the boats in their final stretch facing Pointe-à-Pitre. Atlantic sunsets add a magical dimension to the event.
The hotel also offers activities to fully enjoy your stay: excursions, restaurants, cultural activities and moments of relaxation in the spa. Visitors can combine the spectacle of the race with moments of well-being and discovery of Guadeloupe, creating a perfect balance between adrenaline and relaxation.
It is also an opportunity to meet other enthusiasts, to exchange with the skippers and to immerse yourself in the festive and friendly atmosphere that characterizes each edition. For those who want to experience the Route du Rhum differently, the hotel offers a privileged base, in the heart of the action but in a comfortable and safe environment.
The heritage and future of the Route du Rhum
Over the years, the Route du Rhum has become a global reference in ocean racing, combining performance, innovation and spectacle. Each edition adds new achievements to the legend and attracts participants from all over the world. Guadeloupe, with its culture, climate and exceptional landscapes, remains the beating heart of the event.
The role of La Créole Beach Hotel & Spa and the Des Hôtels & Des Îles group illustrates the importance of solid and lasting partnerships. The hotel embodies conviviality, hospitality and excellence, contributing to making each edition a memorable moment.
For visitors, the Route du Rhum is an invitation to dream, to marvel and to connect with nature and adventure. She recalls that sailing, beyond competition, is an art of living and a celebration of human courage.
Conclusion
The Route du Rhum — Destination Guadeloupe is not only a race: it is a historical, cultural and sporting event that has fascinated for over forty years. Skippers, boats, islands and spectators create a unique experience, combining adrenaline, emotions and discoveries.
Thanks to its role as a technical supplier and arrival hotel, La Créole Beach Hotel & Spa allows its customers to experience the event as close as possible to the action, while enjoying the comfort, the beauty of the archipelago and the conviviality of Guadeloupe. Each arrival is a moment of celebration, each edition a testimony to the audacity and passion that make the legend of the Route du Rhum.
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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.