Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe 2026

Every four years, the Route du Rhum captivates sailing enthusiasts, lovers of great sporting challenges, and the general public. A true institution in the French sports landscape, this solo transatlantic race will once again connect Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre for its 13th edition.

The grand start will be given on November 1, 2026, at 1:02 PM from Saint-Malo. The first skippers are expected in Guadeloupe starting November 6, 2026, after a transatlantic crossing of nearly 3,500 nautical miles (approximately 6,559 km).

Among the 118 sailors competing this year, Francis Joyon will once again be part of this emblematic adventure.

Discovering Francis Joyon and his sailboat

In terms of records, Francis Joyon completed the first solo circumnavigation by sail in less than 73 days in 2003-2004, then improved his own time in 2008 by completing a solo circumnavigation in 57 days, 13 hours, ahead of Ellen MacArthur by 14 days.

On the Atlantic, he broke the solo transatlantic crossing record several times, in 2005, 2013, and then in 2017 with a time of close to 5 days and 1 hour.

In 2007, he also set a record for distance covered in 24 hours solo, with over 613 nautical miles.

Finally, in 2017, he won the Jules Verne Trophy (non-stop crewed circumnavigation) in just under 41 days, a time that long stood as the benchmark.

In terms of races, he notably won the Route du Rhum in 2018 (on the multihull, Ultime category), as well as the Transat in 2000 and the Fastnet Race in 2001, with numerous podium finishes in the Route du Rhum and the Transat Jacques Vabre throughout his career.

An essential figure in French ocean sailing, Francis Joyon is one of the sailors who have made their mark on the history of the Route du Rhum.

Renowned for his experience, determination, and authentic approach to sailing, he continues to inspire several generations of enthusiasts. Each participation of the Breton skipper is closely followed by both offshore racing fans and nautical professionals.

For this 2026 edition, Francis Joyon will once again be at the start aboard his trimaran Océans, a sailboat designed 30 years ago for oceanic performance and long crossings. A true concentrate of technology and maritime expertise, this boat has already demonstrated its ability to face the most demanding conditions on numerous occasions.

In a competition where every detail counts, the reliability of the onboard equipment remains an essential element to allow the skipper to focus fully on his navigation.

Committed to the Oceans

Beyond sporting performance, Francis Joyon also pays particular attention to the preservation of the marine environment. A privileged witness to the evolution of the oceans throughout his navigations, he supports initiatives to raise awareness about the protection of the marine environment and the reduction of the impact of human activities at sea.

This commitment is reflected notably through the association Pour les Océans, which he founded, and which works to raise public awareness of the richness and preservation of the marine world.

Corderie Gautier joins the race

Corderie Gautier is proud to accompany Francis Joyon in this new edition of the Route du Rhum.

As a technical partner of the navigator, we put our expertise in ropes and fittings at the service of a sailor whose technical requirements perfectly reflect our values. 

Participating, in our own way, in such an emblematic adventure as the Route du Rhum is a real source of pride for our teams. This collaboration also illustrates our commitment to marine industry players and our desire to support projects driven by a passion for the sea and a taste for challenge.

See you in November to experience this new edition of the Route du Rhum and support Francis Joyon throughout his race. ⛵