Initially due to start on Sunday at 1.02 pm, the 12th Route du Rhum –
Destination Guadeloupe has been postponed owing to poor weather conditions, and will now get under way at 2.15 pm today in Saint Malo.
The Route du Rhum is a famous solo transatlantic sailing race, held every four years. A record 138 skippers are taking part in the 2023 edition, and they include two members of the Yacht Club de Monaco!
The first is Boris Herrmann. Winner of the IMOCA 2018/2021 championship, the professional yachtsman finished 5th in the last Vendée Globe. He will be competing in the Route du Rhum for the second time, after claiming 5th place in 2018. Aboard his new boat Malizia-Seaexplorer, Boris Herrmann continues to devote himself to sporting performance, oceanography, and education, three issues close to his heart that he shares with the Prince Albert II Foundation and the Yacht Club de Monaco, two institutions presided by H.S.H. Prince
Albert II.
Thanks to a mini-laboratory installed on board, Team Malizia, keen to raise public awareness about climate change with their slogan "A race
we must win – Climate action now", will continue to collect oceanographical data to help scientists better understand and monitor the condition of our oceans.
The second, Oren Nataf, admits to being a complete amateur and is taking part in his first ever Route du Rhum aged 50. He will be aiming to sail his trimaran Rayon Vert to Guadeloupe, completing a clean race and having plenty of fun along the way. A born competitor, he will be racing in the "Rhum Multi" category, which includes some iconic figures of sailing such as Philippe
Poupon, Roland Jourdain, and Marc Guillemot.
The fact that these two very different local yachtsmen are taking part in this legendary race serves to highlight the Principality of Monaco's close relationship with yachting. We wish them the very best of luck!
Photo credit: Thierry Martinez - Yann Riou - Antoine Auriol - DR