The Route du Rhum race with 115 sailors started on Sunday in Saint-Malo, France. This solo competition is held from Brittany, France, towards Pointe-a-Pitre in the island of Guadeloupe in the Caribbean.
Weather Predictions and Challenges
Each of the sailors in this race must cross the Atlantic Ocean alone, and forecasts indicate that they will be safe from autumn storms in the Bay of Biscay. Charles Caudrelier, a French sailor and one of the main contenders in this competition, set the race record in 2022 with a time of six days and 19 hours. He is now participating in this race with his new boat named Gitana 18-Maxi Edmond de Rothschild.
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Challenges of the New Boat
Caudrelier spoke about his new boat, saying: "Others have boats that have been in use for four or five years. I see the difference in my level of awareness compared to them, and I am still unfamiliar with many of the conditions that may arise." However, he is hopeful about competing and learning in this race, adding: "I see this Route du Rhum primarily as the beginning of a new story between this boat and myself. We are here to try to win, but also to learn and prepare for the future."
Armel Le Cléac'h, a famous French sailor, hopes to succeed in this competition at the age of 49. He recalled his past failures, saying: "I must always learn from my failures. I have participated in the Vendee Globe race three times and have reached the podium each time. I ask myself when I will finally succeed in the Route du Rhum."
Basil Bourgneuf, a 24-year-old sailor, is also participating in his first experience in the Route du Rhum and hopes to succeed in the Ocean Fifty class. Referring to his father, Laurent Bourgneuf, who is the only sailor to have won this race twice, he said: "This race is my dream oceanic competition. Of course, it has a family aspect; after my father's death, I realized how much he loved this race."
While the weather conditions seem favorable for the early days, this competition is considered one of the most important maritime events in the global sports calendar.
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