With just a few days to go before the 2026 Route du Rhum, Kéni Piperol is preparing for his second solo Atlantic crossing. Four years after his first attempt, which was marred by mechanical trouble, the Guadeloupean sailor is now aiming for a Top 15 finish in the Class40 category. With DrépaVoile, his ambition extends beyond the rankings, as he is combining this new adventure with the fight against sickle cell disease, outreach to young people, and artistic creation.
On Friday, October 16, at 10:30 p.m. according to his crew, Kéni Piperol set sail from La Trinité-sur-Mer aboard his Class40, DrépaVoile. The start of the voyage to Saint-Malo was eventful. In rough seas, with gusts reaching 23 knots, the sailboat quickly found its rhythm and maintained a reported average speed of 12 knots throughout the night. At daybreak, conditions eased along the Breton coast.
This voyage will take the boat to the starting port of the Route du Rhum, whose 13th edition will set sail on November 1 toward Pointe-à-Pitre. It’s one last leg before returning to the Atlantic, but above all, it’s another opportunity for the sailor to reflect on how far he’s come since his first participation.
Kéni Piperol: From 37th Place to Aiming for the Top 15
On December 5, 2022, Kéni Piperol crossed the finish line of his first Route du Rhum in Pointe-à-Pitre. He finished 37th in the Class40 division, after a crossing that lasted more than 26 days. However, the result told only part of the story of his race. While he was leading his class, a leak forced him to head to La Coruña, Spain, to make repairs before setting sail again.
This experience is part of a journey that began long before his major crossings. Born in Paris in 1996 and raised in Morne-à-l’Eau, Guadeloupe, Kéni Piperol discovered sailing at age ten during a camp organized over the school break. He then continued his training and turned to competitive sailing, notably in the Mini 6.50 class, before moving on to the Class40 category.
Today, the skipper has set himself a more challenging goal. He hopes to finish in the top fifteen in his class aboard DrépaVoile, a 12.19-meter Mach 40.5 launched in 2023. His experience from previous races fuels this ambition, but his 2026 project is not limited to performance alone.
DrépaVoile, a boat dedicated to the fight against sickle cell disease
The name DrépaVoile reflects one of the main causes championed by Kéni Piperol. Through his participation in the Route du Rhum, the sailor hopes to raise public awareness of sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder that particularly affects populations in the Caribbean.
His commitment is supported by several organizations, including the Association for Information and Prevention of Sickle Cell Disease (APIPD), chaired by Jenny Hippocrate, and Drépaction. Together, they aim to leverage the visibility of the transatlantic voyage to raise awareness about the disease and give a greater voice to those affected.
Jenny Hippocrate explains that Kéni Piperol was chosen for his perseverance and his ability to keep moving forward despite difficulties. She draws a parallel between the demands of ocean racing and the daily challenges faced by people living with sickle cell disease. The challenge is to spread this message beyond the usual circle of advocacy groups. Between Saint-Malo and Pointe-à-Pitre, every stage of the adventure can become an opportunity to talk about prevention and raise awareness.
Guadeloupe's youth are embarking on an adventure
Before heading to Saint-Malo, Kéni Piperol visited several classes in Guadeloupe. In early September, presentations were held in Petit-Canal, Les Abymes, Anse-Bertrand, and Pointe-à-Pitre, among other places. On September 3 at Massabielle 2 School in Les Abymes, students learned about his daily life as a sailor and asked him questions about life at sea.
These exchanges will continue throughout the race via the Virtual Regatta and ” Vis ma vie de skipper” programs. The first program offers a simulation-based approach to sailing, while the second provides updates on the crossing and opportunities to learn about maritime careers.
The project thus goes beyond a simple sports presentation. It connects geography, science, languages, and career exploration to an adventure that students can follow from their classrooms. For these children, the ocean separating Saint-Malo from Guadeloupe also becomes a space for learning.
See also: “Van Lévé,” the mini-yole that invites you to take the helm, a Martinican initiative distinct from that of DrépaVoile.
When Guadeloupean Art Sets Sail with DrépaVoile
The cultural dimension of the project is also reflected in the boat’s artistic identity. Guadeloupean street artist Pock created a design centered on the poppy, chosen as a symbol to raise awareness of sickle cell disease. Featured on the hull, this artwork prominently highlights the sailor’s commitment to solidarity.
The FORE Foundation is also supporting an artistic initiative centered on sails, with the goal of turning the boat into a canvas for creativity. The project brings together several artists and features a work of art designed to cross the Atlantic. This initiative is set to continue after the race. Wax Islands is set to transform a sail into various objects, with proceeds from their sale going to support the APIPD. Through these collaborations, DrépaVoile brings together worlds rarely found on a racing boat: sailing, the visual arts, and community engagement.
A Second Route du Rhum, Multiple Goals for Guadeloupe
On November 1, 2026, Kéni Piperol is set to return to the starting line of the Route du Rhum, four years after his first participation. His competitive goal is clear: to improve on his 37th-place finish and close the gap on the top Class40 boats.
But the success of this second adventure will not be measured solely by its ranking. It will also depend on what DrépaVoile has helped convey, from the young people introduced to the realities of the maritime world to those who have become aware of sickle cell disease, not to mention the Guadeloupean artists involved in the project. Upon arrival in Pointe-à-Pitre, the race will come to an end. It remains to be seen how the initiatives launched around the boat will continue to thrive in Guadeloupe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kéni Piperol
Kéni Piperol-Dampied is a Guadeloupean sailor, born in 1996, who competes in offshore races. After finishing 37th in his category at the 2022 Route du Rhum, he is preparing for his second appearance in 2026 with DrépaVoile.
Kéni Piperol is aiming for a spot in the top 15 in the Class40 category at the 2026 Route du Rhum. He plans to sail on DrépaVoile, Class40 No. 195, a Mach 40.5 launched in 2023.
The name DrépaVoile highlights its commitment to raising awareness about sickle cell disease. The project includes, among other things, activities carried out in partnership with the APIPD, as well as educational and artistic initiatives in Guadeloupe.
