Embark on the mythical Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe!
La Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, queen of solo transatlantic races
Since its first edition in 1978, this mythical race which connects Saint Malo in Brittany with Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe brings together skippers from all walks of life every 4 years: amateurs and professionals, women and men, small trimarans and imposing monohulls, all gathered on the same starting line with the common hope of overcoming the elements and being the first to see the coasts of Pointe-à-Pitre taking shape in the distance.
In eleven editions, the famous transatlantic, which covers a total of 6562 km, has never ceased to conquer the hearts of skippers thirsty for spray and immensity, in search of this face-to-face with themselves and with the ocean that only such an adventure can arouse... but also an ever wider and more passionate public, which flocks to the port of St Malo or the cliffs of Cap Fréhel at each edition to admire the frail skiffs ready to face this wild and indomitable ocean at the risk of their lives.
Between human adventure and adrenaline, dazzling victories and decisive twists and turns, the Route du Rhum, which celebrates its 12th anniversary this year, has not finished bringing together skippers and spectators, united by the same love for the sea and surpassing oneself.
Portrait of Kieran Le Borgne, skipper of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe
Kieran Le Borgne, 24 years old from Brest, will take part in the 12th edition of this legendary solo transatlantic race. Always passionate about sliding sports, the young skipper started ice hockey at the age of 7 and then left the mainland for the first time by embarking on kitefoil (speed-oriented kitesurfing) at the age of 15 years old. A change of scenery which was particularly successful for him since he was champion of France in 2017 and even vice-world champion in 2018.
But it was while working as a preparer on Armel Tripon's boat (which raced in the Vendée Globe in 2020) that Kieran really began to feel the call of the open sea... In 2019, following a simple exchange of text messages with his father, a common project was born: offshore racing! And for this crazy gamble, what better duo than Kieran, a speed specialist, and his father Jean-Jacques, a merchant navy officer? Thus began a real family epic: father and son first embarked on the Globe 40 offshore race, then took part in the Transat Jacques, the Normandy Channel Race and more local races such as the Tour du Finistere. In July 2022, Kieran embarks on his first solo race, the Drhean Cup, a good warm-up for the Route du Rhum, his first solo transatlantic race which he will race aboard the Class40 sailboat N°88. This boat, renamed Earwen, has already led skipper Thomas Ruyant to victory during his participation in the Route du Rhum in 2010. We can only wish Kieran to follow in his footsteps!
Don't miss the departure of Kieran, partner of the Brasserie du Bout du Monde, on Sunday November 6 at 1:02 p.m.!
Focus on the Brasserie du Bout du Monde, partner of Kieran Le Borgne
Founded in 2013, this Breton brewery has established its quarters in former NATO undergrounds in Terenez, in Finistère. The artisanal brewery, "Breton but open to the world" as it defines itself, favours short circuits and places human relationships and particularly quality above everything. Indeed, it took Olivier Lallemand no less than three years of work and research to create the very first Terenez beer. Since then, the Breton brewery has seen its efforts crowned by the dozens of national and international awards it has received in recent years.
On the occasion of this edition of the Route du Rhum and to support Kieran, the brewery has decided to offer a limited edition of its blond Pale Ale beer. Profits will be donated to the young skipper for the maintenance of his boat and other expenses related to the race.
The brewery's flagship beer, the Pale Ale is a light and fruity beer, with malty and floral notes. For the occasion, it is adorned with a label representing Kieran and his father. The opportunity to support the young skipper and discover (or re-discover) this beer that has made the success of the Breton brewery.
Article written by Camille L.
