The Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe – Daily clip 28 OCT

With thousands of visitors on the Quays of Saint-Malo, the starting village is a meticulously organized operation that runs thanks to the energy of nearly 400 volunteers who welcome, guide, and provide information to visitors, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

For this 13th edition of the Route du Rhum Destination Guadeloupe, the age range of the skippers is impressive. A 51-year gap separates the youngest, Titouan Pillard—who is competing for the first time—from the oldest skipper, Charlie Capelle. At 71, Capelle is competing in his seventh edition of the transatlantic race aboard the small yellow trimaran, a replica of the first winning boat. They share one thing in common: a passion for competitive sailing.

I think it’s the oldest boat in the race, with the oldest skipper—the one who’s done it the most. We’ve improved the comfort on board because, with my old bones, I was sick of getting wet too, so I built myself a new outer cover. For me, it’s “bis, repetitas”—I’m going back, but every time, it’s a pleasure.

It’s great to see people like Charlie who keep competing in the Route du Rhum for the umpteenth time. It was a dream of mine to be able to race in the Route du Rhum. He’s someone I’ve admired immensely for quite a few years now. I’m younger, so I may have less experience on monohulls like this, but I want to give it my all and prove myself so I can be at the front of the fleet, too.

At age 70, Francis Joyon could become the first winner in his 70s in the vintage multi-hull category.

As for the boats, the oldest is 46 years old, and the newest—Gitana 18—is only 8 months old.