French skipper Corentin Horeau has claimed the biggest victory of his offshore sailing career, winning the IMOCA class in the 2026 Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe after a commanding Atlantic crossing aboard MACSF.
The 37-year-old crossed the finish line off Pointe-à-Pitre at 01:14:09 local time (05:14:09 UTC) on Wednesday, 11 November, completing the solo transatlantic race in nine days, 17 hours, 12 minutes and nine seconds. The result remains subject to jury review.
Figaro to IMOCA: French skipper Corentin Horeau has secured the biggest victory of his offshore sailing career, winning the Route du Rhum IMOCA class at his first attempt aboard MACSF. Photo: Gauthier Lebec
His victory came after a painfully slow final approach around Guadeloupe in very light winds, testing the patience of a skipper who had established a lead of more than 300 nautical miles over his nearest pursuers.
A winner of La Solitaire du Figaro in 2023, Horeau has added one of offshore sailing's most coveted single-handed titles to his record, winning the Route du Rhum on his first attempt in the IMOCA class.
The French sailor was selected by MACSF for its programme targeting the 2028 Vendée Globe and is racing the IMOCA 60 previously sailed by Yoann Richomme to second place in the 2024–25 Vendée Globe.
Decisive Atlantic Route
Horeau's race-winning move came just two days after the fleet left Saint-Malo on Sunday, 1 November. While Franco-British skipper Sam Goodchild, racing MACIF Santé Prévoyance, and Italy's Ambrogio Beccaria, aboard Allagrande Mapei, headed north in search of a shorter passage through light winds, Horeau kept a more direct course. Afloat reported the early tactical split as the leaders considered their Atlantic routes.
The decision proved decisive. Horeau emerged ahead and subsequently linked together a succession of fast gybes within a narrow corridor of stronger breeze, steadily extending his advantage across the Atlantic.
Atlantic Advantage: Horeau's IMOCA 60 MACSF powers offshore during the campaign that saw him establish a lead of more than 300 nautical miles over his Route du Rhum rivals. Photo: Gauthier Lebec / Anne Beaugé
His lead was not without challenges. By 5 November, Afloat reported a 185-mile advantage over Germany's Boris Herrmann as heavy weather tested the IMOCA fleet. The following day brought further drama, including Beccaria's retirement following an injury aboard Allagrande Mapei.
By 9 November, Horeau had opened a 320-mile lead over Herrmann, with just 380 miles remaining at the time of that report. The final approach was considerably less straightforward, with light winds slowing MACSF almost to a standstill around Guadeloupe. Horeau nevertheless maintained his composure to complete a convincing victory.
From Figaro Success to IMOCA Victory
Horeau's success follows a varied offshore sailing career that has taken him from the demanding one-design Figaro circuit to giant Ultim trimarans and smaller sports multihulls. His 2023 Solitaire du Figaro victory established his credentials as a leading solo sailor, while selection for MACSF's Vendée Globe campaign provided the opportunity to step into the IMOCA 60 class.
Winning the Route du Rhum at his first attempt aboard the boat represents a significant milestone in his preparations for the next round-the-world race.
