My disappointment is immense. This race holds a special place in my history. I have competed in it and won it twice. As the defending champion, I was obviously very keen to come back and defend that victory.

We had everything we needed to write a great story: a committed and talented team, a new boat that impressed us and showed incredible potential from its very first outings.

When I embarked on this project, I knew I was up against the clock, particularly with the construction of the new boat…

But a sportsperson’s life is made up of victories, disappointments, moments when everything falls into place, and others when you have to accept that things don’t go according to plan…

We were unable to find a partnership that would allow us to be in Saint-Malo under the right conditions.

Today, I have to give up on this Route du Rhum… But not on what comes next.

The IMOCA circuit continues, with other legendary races from 2027 onwards, and already, on the horizon, the 2028 Vendée Globe. The ambition is even stronger. So is the energy.

I have an immense desire to sail, to race offshore, to win.

And above all, to continue building and telling great stories with a team, a boat and partners who share that ambition.

The story is far from over.

I wish you all a very good Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe!