Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe 2026

A specialist in maritime transport and a major player in economic and tourist flows in the regions it serves, Brittany Ferries is reaffirming its commitment to the seas and the people who sail them – by once becoming an Official Partner of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe 2026. The Breton company is delighted to continue this loyal partnership with OC Sport Pen Duick, organiser of the 13th edition of this most legendary solo transatlantic race, driven by the values of the sea and the bordering regions.

After an exceptional 2022 edition won by Charles Caudrelier on his Maxi Edmond de Rothschild (6 days, 19 hours, 47 minutes and 25 seconds), the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe 2026 will return in autumn 2026 to Saint-Malo, the ‘corsair city’.

On Sunday, November 1, 2026, sailors will set off from the coast of Saint-Malo for the flagship of solo transatlantic races. Just a few months before this exceptional event, as Official Partner, Brittany Ferries is fully preparing and proudly reconnects with the family of companies that associate their name and expertise with this major event. By doing so the ferry company, founded in 1972 in Roscoff, reinforces its regional roots and its ambition to shine beyond the borders of Brittany. This partnership also continues a historic link between Brittany Ferries and the Route du Rhum, a story which begain in 1978. Indeed, it was aboard the ferry Armorique that Éric Tabarly gave the start of the first edition of this mythical race.

For Brittany Ferries, joining this unique event is an obvious choice

“Because the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe is above all about excellence, because Brittany Ferries’ values are those of this unique event, it is natural that we remain at the heart of the event as official partner of the 2026 edition. Breton farmers and sailors unite behind this race that highlights courage, exemplary behaviour, and pushing limits. As our flagship hybrid vessels, Saint-Malo and Guillaume de Normandie, have recently joined the Brittany Ferries fleet, we reaffirm our commitment to technological innovation, the preservation of seas and oceans, and the culture of effort. See you in autumn 2026 with our friends from OC Sport Pen Duick for this exceptional race!” — Jean-Marc Roué, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Brittany Ferries.

Meet Brittany Ferries at the race village

From October 20 to November 1, 2026, Brittany Ferries will be present in Saint-Malo, where it has served since 1976 with its route to Portsmouth. At the departure village, a stand will allow visitors to discover the company. For thirteen days, Brittany Ferries’ teams will welcome young and old to their stand to explore the marine world, the diversity of its professions, safety at sea, and many other fascinating topics.

Many visitors will try their hand at winning a trip with Brittany Ferries, gift vouchers, and other prizes. To do so, several fun activities will be offered including the ‘Captain’s Wheel’, an educational game to learn maritime vocabulary, and a photo booth.

Programme

Tuesday 20 October 2026
Destinations | “SET COURSE FOR YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY DESTINATION”
Discover some of the finest destinations accessible with Brittany Ferries.

Wednesday 21 October 2026
Destinations | “DESTINATION INSIDER’S GUIDE”
Exceptional travel experiences: Brittany Ferries’ destination experts reveal their must-see highlights, as well as their favourite hidden gems.

Thursday 22 October 2026
Sustainability | “TOWARDS A ZERO-EMISSION FUTURE”
For several years, Brittany Ferries has been committed to building a more sustainable future. Through engaging activities for visitors of all ages, how the company is protecting the environment and preserving marine ecosystems.

Friday 23 October 2026
Safety | “BECOME A SAFETY CHAMPION”
Brittany Ferries’ Atalante Training Centre presents the safety systems and procedures that help keep everyone safe at sea.

Saturday 24 October 2026
Careers | “THE PEOPLE WHO BRING OUR SHIPS TO LIFE”
Discover the rewarding careers available on board Brittany Ferries vessels. Meet the seafarers who will be present on the Brittany Ferries stand.

Sunday 25 October 2026
Careers | “SET COURSE FOR A CAREER AT SEA”
Brittany Ferries invites you to meet its seafarers and discover their unique professional world.

Monday 26 October 2026
Technology | “BEHIND THE SCENES OF MARITIME INNOVATION”
Explore the tools, technologies and expertise that support Brittany Ferries teams every day.

Tuesday 27 October 2026
Destinations | “FIND YOUR NEXT DESTINATION”
Ireland, the United Kingdom, Guernsey or Spain: where will your next adventure take you?

Wednesday 28 October 2026
Destinations | “AN INVITATION TO TRAVEL”
Allow yourself be inspired by our most beautiful destinations.

Thursday 29 October 2026
Careers | “THE PROFESSIONALS BEHIND EVERY PORT CALL”
Meet the men and women who coordinate every Brittany Ferries port call and ensure the smooth running of port operations.

Friday 30 October 2026
Safety | “SET COURSE FOR SAFETY”
Together with Brittany Ferries’ Atalante Training Centre, discover safety procedures at sea and learn the best practices for safe and enjoyable sailing.

Saturday 31 October 2026
Careers | “AT THE HEART OF MARITIME PROFESSIONS”
Embark on a journey through the diverse careers that make Brittany Ferries possible. Meet the people who bring maritime operations to life every day.

Sunday 1 November 2026
Visitor Experience | “EXPERIENCE THE EXCITEMENT OF THE GRAND DEPARTURE”
Share the final moments before the race begins and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this exceptional event alongside Brittany Ferries.

©Jean-Louis Carli #RDR2022

©Jean-Louis Carli #RDR2022

OFFICIAL FLAGSHIP OF THE ROUTE DU RHUM – DESTINATION GUADELOUPE 2026

On Sunday, November 1, 2026, in the start zone, the flagship vessel Pont-Aven will welcome on board passengers who booked their places long in advance, as well as officials, at the moment the starting gun fires to launch this new edition.

©Alexis Courcoux / #RDR2022

BRITTANY FERRIES 24-HOUR TROPHY OF THE ROUTE DU RHUM – DESTINATION GUADELOUPE 2026

Created by Brittany Ferries and the organisers of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, the 24-Hour Trophy celebrates the performance and tenacity of six skippers engaged in this exceptional maritime adventure. As one of the official prizes of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, the Brittany Ferries 24-Hour Trophy rewards the fastest skipper over 24 hours in each of the six categories: ULTIM, Ocean Fifty, Vintage Multi, IMOCA, Class 40, Vintage Mono.

A bit of history… back in 1978

Brittany Ferries has been closely linked to the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe since the beginning. Let’s remember that back in 1978, aboard Brittany Ferries’ car-ferry Armorique, where 450 guests were packed together,the captain’s bridge looked like a crowded underground carriage at rush hour. Éric Tabarly was about to signal the start of the race, and his presence made journalists nervous. At 11:47 sharp, a request for radio silence was made on channel 9. At 11:50, Tabarly inspected the line. At 11:55, he joked to hide his nervousness: “Instead of firing a cannon in the air, we’d be better off sinking the Committee boat.” Everyone laughed, and journalists watching Tabarly, bent over his microphone for 10 minutes, couldn’t help but point out that he had never used a radio so much in his life. At 30 seconds to go, Tabarly kept an eye on Manureva (Pen Duick IV) and Saint Malo – Pointe à Pitre, which was none other than his beloved Pen Duick III. At noon sharp, the cannon fired and all the boats accelerated. The start was clean. And, as if by chance, the first two boats to cross the line were the two former Pen Duicks… Relive the images of the start of the first edition of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe.

©Alexis Courcoux / #RDR2022

About Brittany Ferries

A major French player in maritime transport and the leading employer of French sailors, Brittany Ferries plays a key role in supporting the economic and tourist development of coastal regions it serves in France, the UK, Guernsey, Ireland, and Spain. Committed to a strong environmental approach, the company continues to renew its fleet of 13 ships. Between 2020 and 2025, five new vessels were introduced, including two powered by LNG and two LNG/Electric hybrid vessels.

About OC Sport Pen Duick

OC Sport Pen Duick is the French subsidiary of the OC Sport group, responsible for offshore racing events. Originally created to manage the sporting campaigns of Éric Tabarly and Dame Ellen MacArthur—two iconic figures in international sport—the group faithfully perpetuates the spirit and values that inspired these pioneering founders: living and sharing unique experiences with the public, athletes, and partners. Historically committed to offshore racing, the group has developed unique expertise in professional sailing, combining team management and the organization of the most prestigious races (Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, ARKEA ULTIM CHALLENGE – Brest, The Transat CIC, La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, Transat Paprec, Tour de Belle-Île, etc.). OC Sport Pen Duick is part of the Groupe Télégramme.

Read more :
Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe 2026, après le succès de l’édition 2022, Brittany Ferries et OC Sport Pen Duick réaffirment leur partenariat.