In the absence of favorable southern currents, the 13th edition of the Route du Rhum is predominantly heading towards an express crossing via the Azores.
The 13th edition of the Route du Rhum, which brings together 115 sailors en route to Guadeloupe, faces a constrained meteorological reality. Unlike in previous years, the southern trade winds are currently non-functional. This significant absence of the usual driving winds forces almost the entire fleet to reconsider their navigation strategy. The southern route, often prized for its fluidity, will prove extremely penalizing this time, potentially extending the crossing to a month for the audacious few who attempt it.
In this context, only one path now leads to success: the itinerary passing north of the Azores. This direct route benefits from more stable wind conditions and favorable ocean currents in the Atlantic. Professional skippers are betting on this option to achieve fast time trials. The objective is clear for the majority of participants: to reduce the crossing time as much as possible before reaching the Pointe-à-Pyre leg.
The competition thus becomes a test of discipline as much as power. Sailors must resist the temptation of braving the weakened trade winds in the south in favor of a longer but much safer course. The marine monsters and storms that could sweep the southern zone constitute an additional risk. By choosing the north, competitors maximize their chances of finishing the race in good conditions and placing near the top of the leaderboard.
This meteorological configuration redefines the balance of the class. Monohulls, accustomed to exploiting cross winds off the coast of West Africa, will have to cope with a more direct flow towards the Caribbean. For IMOCA and Figaro boats, this northern trajectory past the Azores constitutes a reinforced safety standard. Organizers and maritime analysts confirm that this meteorological singularity has no recent equivalent, making this 2022-2023 edition particularly specific in the history of the race.
The public's attention is captivated by this speed race via the north. Every hour of the crossing now counts. Skippers regularly communicate on their progress, highlighting the intensity of the physical effort required to maintain the pace sustained by this express route. The battle for first place is played out on fractions of time, while navigation becomes an exercise of pure precision on today's wind charts.
In this context, only one path now leads to success: the itinerary passing north of the Azores. This direct route benefits from more stable wind conditions and favorable ocean currents in the Atlantic. Professional skippers are betting on this option to achieve fast time trials. The objective is clear for the majority of participants: to reduce the crossing time as much as possible before reaching the Pointe-à-Pyre leg.
The competition thus becomes a test of discipline as much as power. Sailors must resist the temptation of braving the weakened trade winds in the south in favor of a longer but much safer course. The marine monsters and storms that could sweep the southern zone constitute an additional risk. By choosing the north, competitors maximize their chances of finishing the race in good conditions and placing near the top of the leaderboard.
This meteorological configuration redefines the balance of the class. Monohulls, accustomed to exploiting cross winds off the coast of West Africa, will have to cope with a more direct flow towards the Caribbean. For IMOCA and Figaro boats, this northern trajectory past the Azores constitutes a reinforced safety standard. Organizers and maritime analysts confirm that this meteorological singularity has no recent equivalent, making this 2022-2023 edition particularly specific in the history of the race.
The public's attention is captivated by this speed race via the north. Every hour of the crossing now counts. Skippers regularly communicate on their progress, highlighting the intensity of the physical effort required to maintain the pace sustained by this express route. The battle for first place is played out on fractions of time, while navigation becomes an exercise of pure precision on today's wind charts.
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Source: Ouest-France