Race NameRoute du Rhum 2010 31st October 2010
About the race
The Route du Rhum is a solo transatlantic race created in 1978 by Michel Etévenon. It has been raced every four years since 1978 between Saint-Malo (France) and Pointe-à-Pitre, in Guadeloupe. An open race which professionals and amateurs can enter, the Route du Rhum brings together on the same course multihulls and monohulls of all sizes and all classes.
Since its first edition back in 1978, it has become a legendary ocean race and has been won by some exceptional sailors. Mike Birch (winner in 1978), Marc Pajot (in 1982), Philippe Poupon (in 1986), Florence Arthaud (in 1990), Laurent Bourgnon (in 1994 and 1998), Michel Desjoyeaux (2002) and finally Lionel Lemonchois (2006) have all has their names added to the list of winners in what is referred to as the Queen of transatlantic races.
Since 1994 and their arrival in the event, the 60-foot IMOCA boats have also seen wins by some of the top names of ocean racing: Yves Parlier (winner in 1994), Thomas Coville (in 1998), Ellen MacArthur (in 2002) and Roland Jourdain (in 2006). As time has gone by, the IMOCA class has become one of the headline classes in the event.
The start of the ninth edition of the Route du Rhum-La Banque Postale, the fourth for the IMOCA monohulls, will take place on 31st October 2010 in Saint-Malo.
Information
Organisation: Pen Duick
Start: 31st October 2010
Course: St. Malo – Pointe-à-Pitre
Distance: 3500 miles
Length: 12 to 15 days
Mode: single-handed
Weighting in the IMOCA championship: 4
How often: every 4 years
Website: www.routedurhum-labanquepostale.com
