ROUTE DU RHUM – DESTINATION GUADELOUPE
One Atlantic. One sailor. A historic challenge.
On 1 November 2026, Aina Bauza will start the Route du Rhum from Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre. She will become the first Spanish woman to compete in this legendary solo transatlantic race.
The 2026 Route du Rhum
Created in 1978 and held every four years, the Route du Rhum brings together some of the world’s most spectacular ocean-racing boats. More than 3,500 nautical miles separate Saint-Malo in Brittany from Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe.
- Start: 1 November 2026
- Course: Saint-Malo – Pointe-à-Pitre
- Distance: more than 3,500 nautical miles
- Format: solo, non-stop and without assistance
- Class: Class40
A first for Spain
Aina will be among the small group of women on the start line and the first Spanish woman in the race’s history. The project aims to open the way, show that high performance has no gender and inspire a new generation to pursue challenges that still seem impossible.
“I want to be on the start line to compete, but also so that the next girl who dreams of crossing an ocean finds the path a little more open.” — Aina Bauza
Much more than a race
The Route du Rhum start turns Saint-Malo into one of Europe’s great sporting showcases. Around 1.5 million people visit the race village, creating an exceptional platform for visibility, storytelling and partner experiences.
The programme includes guest sailing, hospitality, talks, content from the ocean and activations in France and Spain. After the Route du Rhum, the project will continue with an educational and environmental tour of Spain on the way to the ultimate goal: the Vendée Globe.
The boat: a Class40
A Class40 is a 12.19-metre ocean-racing monohull built for speed offshore. Aina will manage the strategy, weather, sails, energy, sleep and any repairs on board entirely by herself.
Key dates
- September 2026: training, partner sailing and final preparation
- 20–31 October: start village in Saint-Malo
- 1 November: Route du Rhum start
- November: expected arrival in Guadeloupe
Become part of the project
We are looking for companies ready to turn this challenge into a shared story: visibility in France and Spain, authentic content, experiences for clients and teams, and a tangible commitment to equality and the ocean.
