Aina Bauza officially qualifies for the Route du Rhum 2026
Blog post description.
The organisers have officially confirmed Aina Bauza’s qualification for the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe 2026, bringing her one step closer to the start of one of the world’s most iconic solo transatlantic races.
Qualification is an essential milestone for every skipper taking part in the Route du Rhum. Each sailor must complete a dedicated solo passage aboard the same boat they will race across the Atlantic. The objective is to demonstrate their ability to manage the boat safely and independently while testing solo manoeuvres, sleep management, navigation systems and onboard equipment in demanding wind and sea conditions.
Aina completed her qualification aboard her Class40, the nº161. The passage provided a valuable opportunity to identify technical issues, assess the boat’s performance and continue refining the preparation ahead of the race.
“This qualification is an important step for the project. It confirms that we are moving in the right direction, but there is still a great deal of work ahead before the start,” explains Aina.
The 2026 Route du Rhum will start from Saint-Malo on 1 November and finish in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe. Aina will compete solo in the Class40 category, becoming the only Spanish woman entered in the fleet.
With the qualification now confirmed, the coming weeks will focus on technical preparation, training, safety checks and the final optimisation of the boat. The team will also continue developing its programme with partners and looking for new sponsors wishing to join Aina on her journey towards the Route du Rhum 2026.
This project is made possible thanks to the support of Fondation Alice Milliat, Club de Vela Puerto de Andratx, Balearic Helicopters, Ànima Negra, Calisto Consulting, AFTrans International, Gill Marine, Nautix Marine Paints, Lorient La Base Course au Large, LCJ Capteurs and SailProof.
The countdown to Saint-Malo is officially underway.
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