What is the Route du Rhum?
The Route du Rhum is a solo transatlantic sailing race.
The sailboats depart from Saint-Malo for a crossing to Guadeloupe, passing through Vendée. This race takes place every four years between late October and early November. In 1975, the Secretary General of the Caribbean Rum Producers' Union sought an idea to revive the rum economy. His friend Florent de Kersauson, brother of Olivier de Kersauson, suggested creating a sailing race to the Caribbean. Acting on this idea, Michel Etevenon organized the first edition of the race in 1978.
At the time, 38 competitors, including some now-famous names like Olivier de Kersauson, embarked on this ocean adventure.
This race is reminiscent of the Transat Jacques Vabre, another global sailing regatta.
The starting point of the race is in Saint-Malo, and the finish line is in Pointe-à-Pitre. The offshore race is open to both professional and amateur sailors. Competitors are divided into categories, with trimarans on one side and monohulls on the other. There are as many boat classes as there are winners. Starting in 1990, multihull trimarans began to dominate the competition.
Among the renowned winners is skipper Florence Arthaud, who claimed the Route du Rhum trophy in 1990. Over the editions, the number of skippers navigating and competing on the ocean has grown significantly, making the race around the world highly famous.
How does this famous transatlantic race unfold?
The Route du Rhum, a course of more than 3,500 miles, is divided into 7 major stages:
- The start of the 2026 Route du Rhum takes place in Saint-Malo.
- Crossing the English Channel: At this time of year, strong winds blow, and the waves are high. Skippers must battle the elements to secure a good position without damaging their boats before reaching the Bay of Biscay.
- Crossing the Bay of Biscay: Competitors face depressions, which are decisive for the rest of the course.
- Heading south: Skippers must veer right toward Guadeloupe and choose between a shorter route with less wind or taking advantage of the trade winds, a steady wind system of the Atlantic Ocean. The trade winds propel competitors, allowing for faster sailing.
- Crossing the Atlantic: Sailors set a westward course, confronting meteorological instability, from strong gusts to calm conditions as they approach the Caribbean archipelago.
- Sailing around the island of Guadeloupe: Each competitor must navigate around Guadeloupe before crossing the finish line.
- Reaching the finish in Pointe-à-Pitre.
Experience the start of the 2026 Route du Rhum in Saint-Malo
At the start of the 2026 Route du Rhum, festivities are in full swing in the corsair city for about twelve days, from morning until night.
The Route du Rhum village is set up at the foot of the ramparts, covering 50,000 m² dedicated to the event, with free access.
On the first day, the village is inaugurated, accompanied by a lighting display over the Vauban and Duguay-Trouin basins and the boats—a spectacle that repeats daily.
Competitors’ boats are moored, and numerous stands offer various activities.
You’ll find Caribbean products (rum, spices, clothing…) and food zones.
The start of the 2026 Route du Rhum is also an opportunity to enjoy zouk and gwoka music performances, two iconic Caribbean musical styles. At the heart of the village lies the "Brasserie du Rhum," where you can enjoy a drink in a warm, convivial atmosphere while listening to music until dawn.
Meet the exhibitors present for the occasion, and attend conferences and "Marine Cafés" in a festive atmosphere.
Boat baptisms, nautical activities, and demonstrations take place daily.