There Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe 2026 is shaping up to be a historical vintage for the Class40. With 49 boats registered – either the most represented class of this edition – the solo transatlantic race between Saint-Malo and Pointe-à-Pitre confirms its status as offshore racing laboratory. Despite the soaring costs (purchase, preparation, logistics), the Class40 resists, innovates and seduces ever more skippers, both amateur and professional. Why such enthusiasm? Because this class embodies the perfect balance between performance, accessibility and human adventure.
The forces at play: an ultra-competitive field
49 registered participants, a record level of appeal
With 49 Class40s lined up, the Route du Rhum 2026 shatters participation records. Why such success?
- An accessible format Less expensive thanan IMOCAbut just as demanding and spectacular.
- A constantly evolving class : The boats are increasingly efficient, with foils, optimized hulls and autonomous energy systems.
- A pool of talent : A mix of seasoned professionals and passionate amateursThe Class40 offers a unique diversity.
The favorites: the elite of the Class40 in search of victory
- Corentin Douguet (SNSM, Make a donation!) : 3rd in 2022, he is the big favorite with an ultra-fast boat and a solid experience alone.
- Fabien Delahaye (Legallais) : Winner of the 2023 Transat Jacques Vabrehe intends to repeat his feat alone.
- Ian Lipinski (Crédit Mutuel) : Experienced skipperhe has already proven his regularity and its resistance on the great transatlantic voyages.
- Achille Nebout (Amarris) : Young prodigy of the class, he has everything to surprise.
- Alexis Loison (Real) : Specialist in solo racesHe’s aiming for the podium.
Outsiders to watch
- William Mathelin Moreaux (Patapain – Les Invincibles) : A collaborative and ambitious project, with a team young and motivated.
- Luca Rosetti (Maccaferri Futura) : Representative of the Italian squadronhe intends to make the powder speak.
- Matteo Sericano (Lucente) : Another Italian in full ascent, with a boat optimized for the Atlantic.
- Andrea Fornaro (Influence 2) : Experienced skipperhe already shone in crewed races.
New stars and solidarity projects
- Keni Piperol : Guadeloupean skipper, he embodies the next generation from the French West Indies and wears the colors of his island.
- Ulysses Pozzoli (Eärwen) : Young talent, it represents the future of the Class40.
- Rodolphe Sepho (Rêve de Large 5) : A 100% Guadeloupean project, with a local and committed approach.
- Sasha Laniece (Alderan) : One of the rare women In Class40, she proves that diversity has its place in offshore racing.
A thriving class despite rising costs
Why is the Class40 so successful in 2026?
1. A perfect balance between performance and accessibility
Unlike the IMOCA, where budgets can exceed 2.5 million euros per yeara Class40 campaign remains more affordable :
- Buying a used boat : between €200,000 and €600,000 (compared to 1 to 3 million for an IMOCA).
- Average annual budget : €500,000 to €1 million (compared to 2 to 5 million in IMOCA).
- Cost of a transatlantic crossing : €100,000 to €300,000 (registration, logistics, technical team).
However, costs have skyrocketed. :
- +30% on boat prices since 2020 (strong demand, shortage of used boats).
- +20% on insurance (increased risks, rising boat values).
- +15% on logistics (transport, accommodation, shipping costs).
But the Class40 remains attractive because :
✅ Cheaper than an IMOCA, but so spectacular.
✅ A dynamic second-hand market (many boats available).
✅ Accessible races (Transat Jacques Vabre, Route du Rhum, Normande…).
2. A classroom in constant innovation
The Class40 is not not to be outdone in matters of technological advancements :
- Next generation foils : More efficient and more reliablethey allow speeds exceeding 20 knots.
- Optimized hulls : Lightweight and durable, designed for to face the Atlantic alone.
- Energy autonomy : Solar panels, hydrogen generators, wind turbines… The Class40s are increasingly autonomous.
- Sustainable materials : Recycling of composites, eco-designed sails…The class is committed to the environment.
3. An unprecedented pool of talent
The Class40 attracts all profiles :
- The professionals (Corentin Douguet, Fabien Delahaye, Ian Lipinski…) who aim for victory.
- Enlightened amateurs (Kéni Piperol, Ulysse Pozzoli, Rodolphe Sepho…) who make a dream come true.
- Young hopes (Achille Nebout, William Mathelin Moreaux…) who want to break through.
- Women (Sasha Laniece, Pamela Lee…) who prove their place in offshore racing.
Result : An extremely open competition, Or anything can happen !
4. A media and popular craze
The Class40 benefits from a increasing visibility :
- The starting village of Saint-Malo attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors.
- Digital tracking East global (social networks, live tracking…).
- Sponsors love it : High return on investment (ROI), with a guaranteed media exposure.
The challenges of Class40 in 2026: managing growth
1. Soaring costs: a risk to accessibility?
If the Class40 remains more affordable than the IMOCA, costs have increased sharply :
- Boat prices : +30% in 5 years (demand exceeds supply).
- Insurance : +20% (insurers consider offshore racing as a high risk).
- Logistics : +15% (transport, accommodation, shipping costs…).
Consequence :
- Some skippers are struggling to balance their budgets.
- Amateur projects are more difficult to set up.
- Boat rentals are becoming a solution (to avoid buying).
But the class adapts :
- Innovative partnerships (crowdfunding, local sponsors…).
- More sustainable boats (less maintenance, reduced costs).
- Shorter races (to limit costs).
2. Managing the fleet: 49 boats, a record to organize
With 49 Class40s at the startThe Route du Rhum 2026 will have to manage:
- An overcrowded starting village (logistics, security…).
- A complex race tracking (49 boats = 49 stories to tell!).
- Arrivals in Guadeloupe staggered (to avoid traffic jams).
But it is also a strength :
- A unique show (never so many Class40s in competition).
- Unprecedented emulation (every skipper wants surpass oneself).
- A showcase for sailing (media, sponsors, general public…).
Testimonials: “Why did I choose the Class40?”
“ The Class40 is the best compromise: performance, adventure and controlled budget. In IMOCA, you need 5 million euros to be competitive. In Class40, with 1 million, you can aim for victory ! » — Corentin Douguet (SNSM, Make a donation!)
“ I come from the Figaro, and the Class40 was the logical next step. It’s a boat fast, technical, and allows for solo sailing over long distances. Not to mention that The atmosphere among the skippers is incredible ! » — Achille Nebout (Amarris)
“ In Guadeloupe, the Class40 is very popular. We have local skippers like Kéni Piperol or Rodolphe Sepho who inspire young people. It is proof that offshore racing is accessible ! » — Ary Chalus, President of the Guadeloupe Region
Conclusion: The Class40, stronger than ever
There Route du Rhum 2026 will be a historic moment for the Class40 :
✅ 49 boats at the start (a record).
✅ An ultra-competitive field (favorites, outsiders, amateurs…).
✅ Technological innovations (foils, hulls, energy…).
✅ Preserved accessibility (despite the increase in costs).
Yes, costs have skyrocketed. Yes, the competition is fiercer than ever. But the Class40 proves that it knows how to adapt, innovate and seduce.
So, who will win this 2026 edition? Corentin Douguet for experience? Fabien Delahaye for consistency? Or an outsider like Achille Nebout or Kéni Piperol for an upset?
One thing is for sure: the Class40 is going to thrill us again!