With the Ultim podium decided in the 2026 Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, attention has shifted to three contrasting contests across the Atlantic. Corentin Horeau has established a commanding lead in the IMOCA fleet, but the Ocean Fifty and Class40 divisions remain fiercely competitive as the solo skippers approach Guadeloupe.
Ultim Podium Completed
Following Tom Laperche's record-breaking victory aboard SVR-Lazartigue, Thomas Coville (Sodebo Ultim 3) and Louis Burton (Armand Thiery) completed the Ultim podium in second and third, respectively. Guirec Soudée (Liamm) was expected to be the next Ultim skipper to reach Pointe-à-Pitre.
Podium celebration: Thomas Coville raises his arms after securing second place in the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, completing another successful solo Atlantic crossing aboard Sodebo Ultim 3. Photo: Lou Benoist
Horeau Holds Commanding IMOCA Lead
Corentin Horeau (MACSF) has opened a 320-mile advantage over Boris Herrmann (Malizia 4), with 380 miles remaining to the finish at the time of the race update. Herrmann is second, ahead of Élodie Bonafous (Association Petits Princes – Quéguiner), Sam Goodchild (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) and Francesca Clapcich (11th Hour Racing).
Despite his advantage, Horeau remains cautious about the difficult final approach around Guadeloupe. “In my wildest dreams, I never imagined this! But I have to stay cautious. I've never sailed around Guadeloupe, and by all accounts, it can be quite tricky,” he said.
A forecast reduction in wind strength could bring a prolonged slowdown, although Horeau's lead offers an opportunity to rest before the final miles. Afloat has previously reported on the demanding conditions facing the IMOCA fleet.
Ocean Fifty Lead Shrinks to 15 Miles
The Ocean Fifty contest has changed after leader Basile Bourgnon (Edenred) lost a sail in violent squalls. Having previously enjoyed an advantage of more than 120 miles, Bourgnon now has Pierre Quiroga (Wewise) and Thibaut Vauchel-Camus (Solidaires En Peloton by Delanchy) within about 15 miles.
Vauchel-Camus said Bourgnon's technical setback let the chasing boats close quickly. The relentless racing is also taking a physical toll: he described brief hallucinations from exhaustion, underscoring the pressure on the solo skippers ahead of the demanding final circuit of Guadeloupe.
Third-place celebrations: Louis Burton marks his podium finish aboard Armand Thiery, taking third place behind Tom Laperche and Thomas Coville as the Route du Rhum's Ultim honours are decided. Photo: Julien De Rosa
Nebout Opens Class40 Advantage
In Class40, Achille Nebout (Amarris) has established a lead of almost 20 miles after finding stronger wind ahead of his closest rivals. Guillaume Pirouelle (Sogestran – Seafrigo), Pierre Leboucher (Institut Imagine), Guillaume L'Hostis (Alternative Sailing – Constructions du Belon) and Robin Follin (Solano) remain closely grouped behind him.
Leboucher reported boat speeds of up to 24 knots after frustrating light-wind conditions. The next weather system could bring gusts of 30 to 40 knots, heavy rain and seas of two to three metres, followed by a high-pressure ridge that threatens another slowdown. Nebout has also been dealing with equipment problems, including damage to his J2 furler and a backstay.
The race has also featured an Irish Class40 campaign, with Greystones sailor Pamela Lee aboard EmpowHer. Afloat reported earlier on her diversion to the Azores; the supplied latest bulletin does not confirm her subsequent racing status.
Irish challenge: Greystones sailor Pamela Lee aboard her Class40 EmpowHer during the Route du Rhum, where the demanding Atlantic conditions have tested the endurance and equipment of the solo fleet
Rhum Fleets Continue Towards Guadeloupe
Further back, Kieran Le Borgne (Armor-Lux – Le Finistère Assurance) leads the Rhum Mono division ahead of Patrick Isoard and Tanguy Caradec. Among the vintage multihulls, Damien Seguin (Arkéa – Handicap International) holds an advantage of approximately 100 miles over Éric Péron (French Touch – Oceania Hôtels).
Italian skipper Ambrogio Beccaria (Allagrande Mapei), who diverted to Horta in the Azores, has undergone hospital examinations. No fractures were detected, although he is suffering from severe rib bruising.
With the Ultim podium settled, the remaining divisions face different challenges: Horeau must protect a commanding IMOCA lead, while the Ocean Fifty and Class40 skippers continue to fight for every mile.
