115 sailors began the solo transatlantic Route du Rhum yacht race from Saint-Malo, France, on Sunday.
The fleet departed at 12:02 GMT under mild weather, with light winds carrying the boats along the Brittany coast toward a mandatory checkpoint near Cap Fréhel. Crowds gathered to watch as competitors, including Nicolas d’Estais, set off on the 3,500-nautical-mile course to Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe. Organizers estimated 1.5 million spectators had visited Saint-Malo in the days leading up to the start.
The race features 22 boats in the Imoca class, including Boris Herrmann aboard his new Malizia 4, launched in July. Herrmann, aiming for a top-six finish, described the event as a test of his connection with the demanding vessel. “The ship has super potential, but it’s hard and exhausting to sail,” he said. Sam Goodchild, sailing Macif, took an early lead, while Francesca Clapcich competed aboard Herrmann’s former yacht, Malizia 3.
The Ultim class, with its 32-meter trimarans, drew particular attention. Charles Caudrelier’s Gitana 18, a foil-equipped vessel capable of exceeding 50 knots, is making its first competitive appearance. Four years ago, Caudrelier set the race record of 6 days, 19 hours, 47 minutes, and 26 seconds aboard Gitana 17. The new boat’s performance under solo conditions is highly anticipated.
Forecasts predict challenging conditions in the race’s early stages, with winds of 20 to 30 knots expected within the first two days. Herrmann plans a northern route, passing the Fastnet Rock before arcing widely to avoid the Azoren. The fastest Imoca-class boats may complete the crossing in 10 to 12 days, while the Ultim trimarans could finish in under a week.
