Whether they are professionals or amateurs, novices or experienced sailors, almost half of the fleet will make their first atlantic crossing for the Route du Rhum . Despite some apprehensions, all these rookies want to do well. This first course, between Saint-Malo and Pointe-à-Pitre, will be a learning experience for all of them, mixing emotions and sensations.
Sailors with victorious records will discover the "Rhum"
Yann Eliès, two-time winner of the Solitaire du Figaro and two-time holder of the Jules Verne Trophy, will make his first Route du Rhum race in the Ultimates category aboard the Multi70 Paprec Recycling . At the age of 40, the skipper was finally offered the chance to take part in the legendary race thanks to Jean-Pierre Dick's team, who offered him the opportunity to take the helm of the trimaran. Even if he is aware that a capsize can quickly happen to such a fickle multihull, it was impossible for him to refuse such an opportunity. Delighted, he will be able to rub shoulders with competitors who are almost all repeat offenders. " It's stressful, but you can't refuse a Rhum. With a bit of late preparation, I'm necessarily in the position of an outsider, but that suits me fine." The skipper from La Rochelle explains: "It's a huge challenge, one of the biggest since I took part in the 2008-2009 Vendée Globe. I'm going to take a leap into the unknown. I can't wait for the start. I like the adrenaline, but I'm going to have to take a few risks and accept that if the weather conditions are too rough, I'll have to take it easy ."
For François Gabart (Macif), the last winner of the Vendée Globe and the record holder for the solo, non-stop circumnavigation on a monohull, after 78 days, 2 hours, 16 minutes and 40 seconds, this will also be a first. In the IMOCA category, he will not be the only one since Alessandro Di Benedetto (Team Plastique - AFM Téléthon) and Armel Tripon (For Humble Heroes) are also "blues" of the Rhum. " The Rhum is first and foremost a sailing race with all that that represents in terms of unforeseen events underlines the skipper of Macif. He adds " The Rhum is a mythical event, but it is above all a great first for me. It has a particular connotation in my imagination, very similar to what I experienced in the Vendée. First times should not be neglected, they are the ones of discovery, they are priceless, they mark us. Like my first Solitaire du Figaro, where I took enormous pleasure, I want to enjoy it. This Rhum, I want to do it well, to savor it."
Newbies in all categories
In the other categories, there are also some newcomers. Two in the Multi50s, nine in the " The Rhum has a special flavor for me as a sailor-fisherman, both in France and in Guadeloupe. I am always on the water and have been sailing multihulls for 25 years. It has been on my mind for a long time. I am so happy to be here in Saint-Malo, I have the feeling to be part of a big familyâ?¦ "
