124 solo sailors, the majority of whom are amateurs
If classes such as the Ultimate, IMOCA, Multi50 are reserved for professionals, the Class40 and Rhum classes will welcome many amateurs. The organization also announces "a plateau that has never been so rich and varied." There are so many amateurs that for the first time, the organizers have decided to open two categories, very popular, which are largely dédiés?; the Rhum Mono and Rhum Multi. The Class40, with its 53 entries (the largest) also represents its share of dreamers.
A majority of Britons
While Britons represent 47% of this anniversary edition, foreigners are not to be outdone with 20% of skippers participating. A proportion that even rises to 27% among IMOCAs with a record number of participants of 21 at the start.
While the English are the most numerous - six sailors including two women - will also participate: one Japanese, one Finnish, two Swiss, two Italians, three Germans, three Americans, three Belgians and one Swedish.
An eclectic participation that clearly shows that the Route du Rhum is a dream come true, even beyond the borders.
The skippers of the Route du Rhum 2018 ©Yvan Zedda
Security for competitors
With so many competitors, the committee decided to wet a 2.5 mile line, divided into four parts: Ultimate and Multi50/ Multi Rum / Imoca / Class40 and Mono Rum.
On the other hand, instead of passing the Cape Fréhel buoy, the last mark to be turned before Guadeloupe, sailors will now have to use the gate of the Trophée du Cap Fréhel - Banque Populaire Grand Ouest. A change that will allow more fluidity at the start.
Pools for everyone
50,000 m2 of space will be dedicated to the event, at the foot of the ramparts of the corsair city, in Saint-Malo. The Duguay-Trouin basin will host the IMOCAs, while the Vauban basin will host the Class40, Multi 50, Multi Rum, Multi Rum, Mono Rum, and Ultime Use it Again. The large trimarans in the Ultimate category (mostly hydrofoil and flying), Macif, Sodebo Ultim', Idec Sport, Maxi Solo Banque Populaire IX and Maxi Edmond de Rothschild will be together for the first time and will take place at the Maritime Station.
The organization expects several million spectators (2 million in 2014) from October 24 to November 4.
