On Sunday, November 1, 118 skippers will set sail from Saint-Malo for Pointe-Ã -Pitre. For the 2026 Route du Rhum, Guadeloupe has taken the lead. Since October 20, it has been making its presence felt on the quays of Brittany, showcasing its entrepreneurs, rums, artists, and local flavors.
Route du Rhum 2026: The Village Where Guadeloupe Makes Its Mark
The 2026 Route du Rhum will set sail on Sunday, November 1, at 1:02 p.m., from Saint-Malo. The 118 skippers will set sail solo for a transatlantic crossing of approximately 3,542 nautical miles—more than 6,560 kilometers as the crow flies. In practice, the journey will be longer, as winds, currents, and weather conditions will force them to take detours. Some sailors may spend up to a month at sea. Six classes of boats are competing, including monohulls and multihulls, such as the IMOCA 60s.
The race has been held every four years since 1978. But preparations for the start have been underway on land since October 20, in a village set up on the main pier in Saint-Malo. It is open from October 20 to November 1—a total of thirteen days—and welcomes sailors, fans, and visitors from around the world. Guadeloupe holds a special place there. Its pavilion brings together nearly fifty businesses from the archipelago, and the Guadeloupe Regional Council has a booth dedicated to culture, cuisine, and tourism. The pavilion is designed to serve as an introduction to the islands through crafts, cuisine, heritage, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Visitors first discover a Creole market, featuring processed food products, artwork, and handicrafts. Next come the street food delights, including bokits—stuffed fried bread—fish accras, and coconut sorbet. The archipelago’s rums and spirits have their own section, featuring the Bologne Distillery, the race’s main rum partner. Tourist offices and the airline Corsair provide information to prospective travelers.
Guadeloupean Entrepreneurs Tackle the French Market
For exhibitors, the village is first and foremost a commercial showcase. There, they display their products, make sales, and establish contacts with French and European distributors. Some are already familiar with major events, such as the Foire de Paris and the Salon de l’agriculture. Others are participating for the first time. The village allows them to meet these buyers, who are all gathered in one place.
Caraïbe Fumé offers smoked fish there. Artisan ice cream maker Eddy William showcases his ice creams there. Nautique Blue Caraïb promotes a more unique concept: sailing accessible to a wide audience, including people with limited mobility. At an event dedicated to sailing, this presence takes on its full meaning. Rum producers—whose agricultural rum is exported as far as Japan—can also take advantage of the event to strengthen their distribution agreements.
Concerts, a carnival, and an exhibition in the heart of the village
The program isn’t limited to commerce. Concerts, cultural performances, exhibitions, documentary screenings, and tourism conferences punctuate the days. These conferences address the blue economy—that is, activities related to the sea—as well as culture. Chef Jean-Rony Leriche, an award-winning chef, leads cooking demonstrations.
On stage, Le Saint-Félix, Daddy Yod, and Leïla Chicot are among the Guadeloupean artists on the lineup. Donzèl is hosting a carnival party. Meanwhile, the carnival group Maskaklé is presenting a photography exhibition at the Bidouane Tower. A children’s area rounds out the family-friendly program.
Saint-Malo and Guadeloupe: A Bond That Goes Beyond the Race
The relationship between the two regions has been developing over several editions. It is based on cultural and economic exchanges. The race connects Brittany to Guadeloupe, and this village is its onshore counterpart. The village serves as a meeting place for Guadeloupeans living in Paris and elsewhere in mainland France, for the families of Guadeloupean skippers, and for institutions from the archipelago. They all make the trip to Saint-Malo for the November 1 departure. For the skippers’ families, this journey holds special significance, as they see a loved one set off on a solo crossing.
Guadeloupe’s maritime heritage remains alive and well, from traditional sailing to the Saintois canoe races, all the way to offshore racing. A new generation of Guadeloupean skippers is now flying the archipelago’s colors on the ocean. A few days after the start of the race, the first sailboats will reach Pointe-à -Pitre. The contacts and contracts forged in Saint-Malo will determine whether this showcase has lived up to its promise.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Route du Rhum
The 2026 Route du Rhum will set sail from Saint-Malo on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 1:02 p.m. A total of 118 skippers will race solo to Pointe-Ã -Pitre, in Guadeloupe.
The theoretical straight-line distance between Saint-Malo and Pointe-Ã -Pitre is approximately 3,542 nautical miles, or more than 6,560 kilometers. The actual journey is longer.
Guadeloupe is hosting nearly fifty businesses, a Creole market, bokits, accras, rum, concerts, and cooking demonstrations. The village is open through November 1.
