# Route du Rhum solo sailing race

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/route-du-rhum-solo-sailing-race
> Updated: 2026-09-25T16:43:21.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 4.

Preparations are underway for the 13th Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, a solo sailing race scheduled to depart from Saint-Malo for Pointe-à-Pitre on November 1, 2026.

The Class40 category features its most diverse fleet to date with 49 entries, including Belgian sailor Jonas Gerckens. Other notable participants include Djemila Tassin and Amaury de Jamblinne de Meux in the Vintage Mono class. In the ULTIM maxi-trimaran class, Alexia Barrier will helm the IDEC SPORT CIC, a 32-meter vessel adapted for solo navigation. Barrier aims to become the first woman to start the Route du Rhum in the ULTIM class.

The race will feature 118 solo sailors aiming to challenge the current record of six days, nineteen hours, forty-seven minutes, and twenty-five seconds. The Brittany Region is acting as a major partner, utilizing its ownership of the Saint-Malo port to prepare infrastructure and using the event to showcase maritime expertise and policies regarding decarbonization, circular economy initiatives, and energy sobriety.

Additionally, watchmaker Alpina has been announced 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.

In a new development, the Serre Chevalier and Briançon mountain stations have announced a partnership with the 2026 race. This collaboration, formed through an alliance with the Société Nautique de la Baie de Saint-Malo, aims to highlight shared values of adventure and respect for nature. The partnership also draws on the historical connection between Saint-Malo and Briançon via their Vauban fortifications, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-25: Serre Chevalier partners with Route du Rhum sailing race

Serre Chevalier and Briançon have partnered with the 2026 Route du Rhum sailing race in Saint-Malo, uniting mountain and maritime themes through shared values and historical heritage.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serre-chevalier-partners-with-route-du-rhum-sailing-race

### 2026-09-20: Route du Rhum 2026 sailing race set for Saint-Malo departure

The 13th Route du Rhum sailing race will depart Saint-Malo for Guadeloupe in November 2026, featuring 118 solo sailors and regional maritime innovation initiatives.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/route-du-rhum-2026-sailing-race-set-for-saint-malo-departure

### 2026-09-15: Alexia Barrier secures Alpes-Maritimes support for 2026 Route du Rhum

Alexia Barrier will represent the Alpes-Maritimes department in the 2026 Route du Rhum, aiming to become the first woman to compete in the ULTIM class solo.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alexia-barrier-secures-alpes-maritimes-support-for-2026-route-du-rhum

### 2026-09-13: Route du Rhum solo sailing race to depart Saint-Malo

The 13th Route du Rhum solo transatlantic race departs Saint-Malo on November 1, featuring a record Class40 fleet and new limited-edition timepieces from official timekeeper Alpina.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/route-du-rhum-solo-sailing-race-to-depart-saint-malo

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Cite as: Route du Rhum solo sailing race. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/route-du-rhum-solo-sailing-race