Route du Rhum 2026: The Giant Ultims and Fearsome Ocean 50s

Eight giant Ultims, a fleet of spectacular Ocean 50s and a collection of legendary Vintage Multis. In the Route du Rhum 2026, no two multihulls are quite alike and picking a winner is anything but straightforward. From the latest generation of giant foiling trimarans to proven ocean record-breakers, the multihull fleet is a fascinating mix of radical design, raw power, experience and ambition. But which approach will prove fastest on the solo Atlantic crossing from Saint-Malo to Guadeloupe? In Part 2 of our Route du Rhum 2026 series, we take a closer look at the extraordinary variety of boats preparing for one of offshore sailing's biggest events. We hear from the skipper of the fastest team to sail around the world and the holders of the Jules Verne trophy Thomas Coville about why the Ultim fleet is so difficult to predict. Plus, we consider the arrival of Gitana 18 on the scene and the influence that Charles Caudrelier’s radical new machine may have in the race. We also look at the formidable Ocean Fifty trimarans — half the length of the Ultims but exceptionally powerful, demanding boats. We swing by the Vintage Multis, where legendary machines from an earlier era of offshore racing continue to draw some of the biggest names in the sport with the likes of Francis Joyon and Damien Seguin, offering a fascinating contrast with today's cutting-edge foilers. And we meet solo record holder Guirec Soudée, whose extraordinary adventures include sailing his Ultim around the world against the prevailing winds and currents. He explains the challenges of handling such a powerful boat alone and why he's taking on the Route du Rhum. Different generations. Different technologies. Different ambitions but one extraordinary race across the Atlantic. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction – Exploring the Route du Rhum Fleet 01:35 Sodebo and Thomas Coville Interview 04:40 SVR-Lazartigue, Gitana 18 and Charles Caudrelier 08:02 Banque Populaire, Actual and IDEC Sport 11:55 Foiling Technology and the Ocean50 Class 13:00 Vintage Multihulls and ORMA 60s 14:59 Guirec Soudée's Ultim and Round-the-World Challenge 16:06 Cape Horn, Weather Routing and Ocean Records 19:29 Route du Rhum Race Strategy and Weather 21:00 Arkéa Ultim Challenge, Capsize Risks and Final Thoughts