French sailor sets new record for Route du Rhum transatlantic sailing race

French sailor Charles Caudrelier won the Route du Rhum on Wednesday, setting a new record in the prestigious transatlantic solo race.

French skipper Charles Caudrelier celebrates winning the Route de Rhum solo sailing race in record time. © AFP - LOIC VENANCE

The 48-year-old skipper crossed the finish line in his boat Maxi Edmond de Rothschild having completed the course in six days, 19 hours and 47 minutes. It was his first attempt at the race.

François Gabart (SVR Lazartigue) came in second place just three hours, 15 minutes and 50 seconds behind the winner.

The previous record, set four years ago by Francis Joyon, stood at seven days, 14 hours and 21 minutes.

[(VICTOIRE 🏆)]

Charles Caudrelier, skipper du Maxi Edmond de Rosthchild @GitanaTeam, vient de passer la ligne d'arrivée de la #RDR2022 après 6⃣ jours 1⃣9⃣ heures 4⃣7⃣ minutes et 2⃣5⃣ secondes !

Il fait tomber le record précédemment établi par Francis Joyon en 2018 ! pic.twitter.com/H0wBC171rG

— Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe (@RouteDuRhum) November 16, 2022

The Route du Rhum featured a record of 138 competitors this year, including seven women.

Bad weather delayed the start of the race, which leaves from Saint-Malo in north-west France and finishes in the French West Indies, from 6 to 9 November.

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One of the pre-race favourites, Armel Le Cleac'h, saw his chances dashed a day after setting out when he had to return to Lorient in Brittany last Thursday to repair damage to his boat.

Le Cleac'h – who capsized after just two days in the previous edition four years ago – set out again after two days. The 2016/17 winner of the Vendée Globe said he was determined to finish the race.

French skipper Charles Caudrelier sails aboard his Ultim multihull Gitana Edmond De Rothschild through the Naye lock in Saint-Malo, the start point of the Route du Rhum solo sailing race, on November 4, 2022. AFP - SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS

However, drama struck just prior to the boats' arrival in the Caribbean port of Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

Two people were killed in the early hours of the morning when their small vessel overturned on Wednesday. It had been out in the bay near the finishing line to catch sight of the race.

The other nine people on board were rescued, according to local authorities.

(with wires)