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SOME may say the Route du Rhum race is sailing’s equivalent to the World Cup or Olympic games. Taking place every four years, sailors in six categories descend on the Atlantic Ocean. The 2018 version of the race set sail on November 4th with the final day officially set for December 2nd. The 3,542-mile course runs between Saint Malo, Brittany, France and Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe.
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What makes the Route du Rhum unique?
The Route du Rhum is simply one of the greatest endurance races in the world. Not only do sailors need to master the skills to control their boats, but they must navigate the unpredictable waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t miss the latest BetFirst promo for a great chance to win. The variety of possible weather scenarios makes the race extremely difficult and skippers must be prepared for anything and everything.
The first race was held in 1978 and it claimed its first ever casualty. Sailor Alain Colas set sail on November 5th and after making radio contact 11 days later, was never heard from again. Skippers put their lives on the line in this truly unique sailing race. High winds, rain, and choppy seas are just three of the potential hazards skippers must deal with.
Fastest crossing record and winner – Francis Joyon
French sailor Francis Joyon capped off the 2018 Route du Rhum by setting a new record for the fastest time. Joyon completed the Transatlantic race in seven days, 14 hours, 21 minutes, and 47 seconds. The highly decorated yachtsman completed the race on Sunday, November 11th. His winning time just edged out countryman Francois Gabart by seven minutes and eight seconds.
Joyon is no spring chicken when it comes to sailing. The Frenchman is 62-years old, but his years of experience helped him achieve his “Grand Slam” of sailing. After finishing in second place in 2010, Joyon finally went one better this year by placing first in Guadeloupe.
Second place – Francois Gabart
Gabart just missed out on first place in the Ultime class. Unfortunately, the 35-year-old will have to wait another four years to achieve his desired title. Gabart had won the Route du Rhume previously in the IMOCA class in 2012. In recent years, he has raced more in the Ultime group and found success. Gabart hasn’t just been successful sailing in competitions. The Frenchman set a new single-handed round-the-world record in late 2017. He travelled the globe in just 42 days and 16 hours. In 2022, Gabart may put Joyon’s Route du Rhume record under threat.
While Joyon and Gabart were relaxing in Guadeloupe after seven days, the rest of the field were still making their way across the Atlantic. With a number of skippers and sailing boast already retired, the men and women who finish in Guadeloupe will revel in their accomplishments for completing one of the greatest races known to humans.
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