Ten days after setting sail from Saint-Malo, Kéni Pipérol continues his 2026 Route du Rhum race toward Guadeloupe aboard DRÉPAVOILE. The Guadeloupean skipper has faced gusts estimated at 45–50 knots, sail damage, and several periods of light winds. As of November 11, he has about 40% of the course left to complete.
One night when DRÉPAVOILE was knocked onto its side
In the middle of his Atlantic crossing, Kéni Pipérol’s Class40 No. 195 faced particularly harsh conditions. Several low-pressure systems followed one after another along his route. One night, buffeted by gusts, DRÉPAVOILE was even knocked onto its side. The boat and its skipper were put to the test.
Under these circumstances, Kéni Pipérol did not prioritize speed at all costs. He reduced sail area, spared the rigging, and prioritized preserving the boat. This decision, as reported by his team, sums up one of the major challenges of this transatlantic race: making progress without jeopardizing the ability to finish the race. This is his tenth Atlantic crossing. Experience counts, but it does not eliminate either the weather risks or the fatigue that such varied days at sea can bring.
From light winds to 50-knot gusts
The difficulties didn’t begin with the storm. During the first few days of the 2026 Route du Rhum, several areas of light winds had already slowed DRÉPAVOILE down. At one point during this initial phase, Kéni Pipérol was in 17th place, according to a statement from his team. This position does not necessarily correspond to his ranking as of November 11. Then conditions worsened. Wind gusts were estimated at between 45 and 50 knots—up to about 93 km/h. On top of these episodes, the boat suffered sail damage, further further complicating the handling of the Class40.
The lulls, therefore, served a purpose beyond simply making progress. They allowed the skipper to conduct checks, dry out equipment, and regain his strength. Each change in conditions required a reassessment of priorities on board.
Up to 17 knots despite the challenges
Yet this first part of the race wasn’t all about slowdowns. According to the speed readings mentioned in the press release, DRÉPAVOILE recorded speeds of 12.3 knots, 15.6 knots, and up to 17 knots—more than 31 km/h. These peaks show that the boat retains its speed potential when conditions allow. However, they do not represent an average speed and do not predict the final standings. For Kéni Pipérol, it’s a matter of continuing to balance opportunities to accelerate with the need to preserve the boat’s equipment.
The Route du Rhum is also a race of decisions. After a low-pressure system, you have to assess what the boat can still handle. In light winds, you have to wait or look for a more favorable option, with no guarantee of immediate gain.
Guadeloupe, even in the provisions
Kéni Pipérol’s destination remains Guadeloupe. The territory is also a part of his daily life on board. His team mentions dried fruits from Désisfruit, including pitaya and pineapple, as well as treats provided by the Lycée Agricole de Convenance.
These provisions serve as a reminder of the support the skipper has received. On shore, Team DRÉPAVOILE continues to monitor his progress and support the project. Even though he is sailing solo, this adventure also relies on a dedicated support team.
Still 40% of the journey to go as of November 11
According to the race update released on November 11, 2026, approximately 40% of the journey to Guadeloupe remains. The press release also notes that Kéni Pipérol has been sailing in an area without favorable winds for the past two days.
This snapshot of the race is dated: it should not be confused with real-time tracking. What happens next will depend on the weather, the condition of the boat, and the skipper’s decisions. After the depressions, the sail damage, and the slowdowns, Kéni Pipérol remains focused on one concrete goal: to sail DRÉPAVOILE to Guadeloupe. The coming days will reveal how he will navigate this final stretch of the Atlantic.
Frequently asked questions
Kéni Pipérol is a sailor from Guadeloupe competing in the 2026 Route du Rhum aboard the Class40 No. 195, DRÉPAVOILE. According to a press release dated November 11, this is his tenth transatlantic crossing.
During the first ten days, Kéni Pipérol faced light winds, sail damage, and several low-pressure systems. His crew reported gusts estimated at 45–50 knots and one night during which the boat was knocked onto its side.
According to the race update released on November 11, 2026, Kéni Pipérol still had about 40% of the journey to Guadeloupe left to complete. His team also reported two days in an area with no favorable winds. This is not a live position.
