The two skippers took the lead of the Ultim fleet within the first miles of the 13th edition.
The 13th edition of the Route du Rhum set off this Sunday, 1 November 2026, off the coast of Saint-Malo. From the very first miles, battle is raging in the Ultim category, with two men out front: Tom Laperche and Armel Le Cléac'h. The two skippers immediately imposed their pace and took command of the fleet, setting up a duel that could well set the tone for the entire crossing.
This head-to-head is shaping up to be one of the great moments of this edition. The two sailors, known for their talent and determination, are separated by just a stone's throw. Their lead over the rest of the fleet is already significant, and the rest of the race promises to be thrilling. Weather conditions and strategic choices will be decisive in this fight for victory.
The Ultim category, with its flying maxi-multihulls, always delivers an impressive spectacle. These giants of the seas, capable of tremendous speeds, demand absolute concentration from the solo sailors. Sleep management, foil reliability and the soundness of their trajectories will all be key factors. For now, Laperche and Le Cléac'h seem to have found the right compromise between speed and safety.
Behind them, the hunt is open. The other competitors have no intention of letting the duo slip away without a response. Gaps can change quickly depending on weather systems and the options chosen. The climb towards the Caribbean often brings its fair share of twists and turns, and no scenario can be ruled out.
This 2026 Route du Rhum is therefore living up to all its promises. The duel between Tom Laperche and Armel Le Cléac'h could well keep the debate alive all the way to the finish in Pointe-à-Pitre. Offshore racing enthusiasts will be following the twists of this mano a mano with close attention, while the rest of the fleet tries to join the fight. Victory may come down to details, but one thing is certain: the race is on.
This head-to-head is shaping up to be one of the great moments of this edition. The two sailors, known for their talent and determination, are separated by just a stone's throw. Their lead over the rest of the fleet is already significant, and the rest of the race promises to be thrilling. Weather conditions and strategic choices will be decisive in this fight for victory.
The Ultim category, with its flying maxi-multihulls, always delivers an impressive spectacle. These giants of the seas, capable of tremendous speeds, demand absolute concentration from the solo sailors. Sleep management, foil reliability and the soundness of their trajectories will all be key factors. For now, Laperche and Le Cléac'h seem to have found the right compromise between speed and safety.
Behind them, the hunt is open. The other competitors have no intention of letting the duo slip away without a response. Gaps can change quickly depending on weather systems and the options chosen. The climb towards the Caribbean often brings its fair share of twists and turns, and no scenario can be ruled out.
This 2026 Route du Rhum is therefore living up to all its promises. The duel between Tom Laperche and Armel Le Cléac'h could well keep the debate alive all the way to the finish in Pointe-à-Pitre. Offshore racing enthusiasts will be following the twists of this mano a mano with close attention, while the rest of the fleet tries to join the fight. Victory may come down to details, but one thing is certain: the race is on.
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Source: Ouest-France