Route du Rhum 2026 sailing race set for Saint-Malo departure

The 13th edition of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe is scheduled to take place in late 2026. The race will see 118 solo sailors depart from Saint-Malo, France, on November 1, 2026, with the goal of reaching Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe. Competitors aim to break the previous record of 6 days, 19 hours, 47 minutes, and 25 seconds.

The Brittany Region is serving as a major partner for the event, utilizing its ownership of the Saint-Malo port to prepare infrastructure. Beyond logistics, the region intends to use the race as a platform to showcase maritime expertise and public policies, including decarbonization, circular economy initiatives, and energy sobriety.

In support of the event, watchmaker Alpina has announced its role as the official timekeeper. To commemorate the race, the brand is releasing two limited editions: the Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic, limited to 313 pieces, and the Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre, limited to 513 pieces.