Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe 2026
This week, YB Tracking is incredibly proud and honoured to be the official tracking provider for one of the world's most spectacular and prestigious offshore sailing events, the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe 2026.
Held every four years, this legendary solo transatlantic race takes sailors from the historic port of Saint-Malo in Brittany, France, to Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe, covering approximately 3,542 nautical miles of open ocean
Often regarded as the queen of solo transatlantic races, the Route du Rhum is a true test of seamanship, endurance, courage and determination.
This year's fleet brings together 120 yachts across six very different classes: Ultim, IMOCA, Class40, Ocean Fifty, Mono Vintage and Multi Vintage. From extraordinary high-performance multihulls to more traditional ocean-going yachts, with just one skipper on board.
But the Route du Rhum is about so much more than the race itself
Every four years, the beautiful waterfront of Saint-Malo is transformed into an extraordinary race village, welcoming an anticipated 1 to 1.5 million visitors during the festivities leading up to the start.
And having spent time here on-site this week, I can tell you firsthand that the atmosphere is simply electric!
The streets are packed, the pontoons are buzzing, and everywhere you look there are excited spectators marvelling at the incredible boats and the remarkable sailors preparing to take on the Atlantic.
One thing that never ceases to amaze me is how the French embrace offshore sailing.
Few countries celebrate their ocean racing heroes quite like France. Here, offshore skippers are genuine sporting celebrities. People of all ages know the boats, follow the different classes and can name their favourite skippers.
It's a passion that runs deep, and being here to experience it firsthand is something truly special
120 boats. Six classes. One ocean. One extraordinary challenge.
We wish every skipper a safe and successful crossing. Fair winds and fair seas!
Check more out here: https://www.routedurhum.com
