Start of the Rhum race 2006. Image copyright JM Liot/DPPI.
by Vendée Globe media
Nine sailors from the IMOCA class will be lining up at the start of the 2010 Route du Rhum on 31st October in Saint-Malo. Among them, eight took part in the last Vendée Globe. So a fine line-up of boats to look forward to beside the ramparts in St. Malo and a huge battle is expected out on the water, as there are many serious contenders, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Roland Jourdain, who won the Rhum in 2006. With three weeks to go to the start of the transatlantic race, we take a look at the major players.
Who will follow Roland Jourdain? A very difficult question to answer as the competition is likely to be very tough. The only former Rhum winner in the IMOCA category, Bilou is preparing to defend his title, which he won in a hotly contested race where the suspense built right up to the finish (26 minutes separated the winner from Jean Le Cam at the finish!) In this his third race, the skipper of Veolia Environnement is hoping to make it two in a row. But it is not going to be an easy task as seven other skippers from the last Vendée Globe will also be there at the start in Saint-Malo: Arnaud Boissières, Armel Le Cléac’h, Michel Desjoyeaux, Kito de Pavant, Vincent Riou, Marc Guillemot and Jean-Pierre Dick. Only Christopher Pratt, who is just entering the world of 60-foot IMOCA racing has not taken part in the non-stop single-handed round the world race.
New projects, experienced sailors
Vincent Riou, Jean Pierre Dick and Michel Desjoyeaux will be lining up aboard the three VPLP/Verdier boats launched this year. While the boats are new, the sailors are all used to doing battle on the oceans. Forced to retire from the race in 2006 after dismasting, Vincent Riou will be taking part in this prestigious transatlantic race for the second time. Aboard his new PRB, the winner of the 2004-2005 Vendée Globe will be a serious contender. Another new project for Jean-Pierre Dick, whose Virbac-Paprec 3 was launched last May in Auckland. After abandoning in 2002 and finishing third in 2006, the skipper from Nice is getting ready for his third Route du Rhum. It will be a big challenge before he goes to defend his title in the Barcelona World Race. As for Michel Desjoyeaux, he will be aboard the brand new Foncia, which was only recently put in the water. The twice winner of the Vendée Globe has already won the Route du Rhum. It was in 2002, but aboard a multihull. With his long list of successes, Michel will clearly be aiming to win this year.
The usual suspects
After 2 great seasons in 2009 and 2010, Marc Guillemot will also be one of the favourites at the start of the 2010 Rhum. The skipper of Safran is a regular in the race as he has already taken part three times, twice on a multihull and once on an IMOCA monohull. Seventh in 2006, he will be doing his utmost to finish on the top step of the podium in a race he has not yet won. As for Armel Le Cléac’h he will be lining up for his second Route du Rhum. The skipper of Brit Air, who has achieved some excellent results this year in the Figaro circuit, is back with his IMOCA with the firm intention of grabbing a place on the podium in Pointe-à-Pitre. He will be trying to do better than in 2006, when he finished in fourth place.
Three rookies
Arnaud Boissières, Kito de Pavant and Christopher Pratt will all be taking part in the Rhum for the first time. Although his maiden attempt, Arnaud Boissières will be aiming for the top five or even a place on the podium. The skipper of Akena Verandas has a very good boat at his disposal, the former PRB aboard which Vincent Riou took part in the 2008-2009 Vendée Globe. Also taking part in his first Route du Rhum, Kito de Pavant is about to see a childhood dream come true. In spite of an impressive list of achievements, he has never managed to race in the Rhum until now. So a win on a first attempt? The skipper of Groupe Bel has the potential to do just that. As for Christopher Pratt, the youngest participant in the race, this will be his first IMOCA solo race. An interesting challenge for the prize-winner of the DCNS talent search, who will be determined to put in a good performance in this legendary race.
La Route du Rhum - La Banque Postale
Vendée Globe
