• Contacts
• RSS feed

• Home page
• The race
• History

The race - History of the Route du Rhum

• 1978
• 1982
• 1986
• 1990
• 1994
• 1998
• 2002
• 2006

2006 : A fine vintage!

This 8th episode of the legendary single-handed transatlantic race will remain marked by the amazing sprint by Lionel Lemonchois, winner of the much prized 60 foot multihull category aboard Gitana 11. Covering the distance between Saint Malo and Pointe à Pitre in 7 days 17 hours and 19 minutes, the Norman sailor pulverised Laurent Bourgnon’s previous record by over 4 days, at a breathtaking average speed of 19.11 knots in solo configuration! The other major feat of arms in this edition of the race was the epic duel between Roland Jourdain (Sill et Véolia) and Jean Le Cam (VM Matériaux), which gave rise to a thrilling final. After 3,510 miles, just 26 minutes separated them at the finish, enabling Jourdain to enter into Rhum legend.

With 74 skippers at the start, more than 1.2 million visitors over a 10 day period hosted at the 7,000 m2 race village and 250,000 people thronging to the coast to view the start, there was a lot for the organisers, partners and host towns (Saint Malo primarily), to smile about. "I’d like to thank the organisers who, through their commitment and expertise, have managed to ensure that the huge success of this fabulous event continues. Of course I’d also like to give special thanks to the skippers and their partners who, through their professionalism and their passion, put on a unique spectacle. The influence exerted by the Route du Rhum relates to the cohesion between every one of its protagonists, professionals and volunteers alike, without whom nothing would be possible" stated Mr Réné Couanau, Deputy-Mayor of Saint Malo.

Of the 74 boats that took the start, 62 made it to Guadeloupe and 61 were ranked. For Race Director, Jean Maurel, these very fine results can be explained: "First off through the skippers’ very good technical know-how, as well as the high level of preparation amongst the boats and finally, thanks to a good weather forecast for part of the fleet. The second half of the fleet had to endure a very big gale, but held up very well. The fact that the start of the race was mild enabled a fine introduction. The fleet weren’t caught off guard and that has an impact on how things play out in a later storm. All this explains the event’s sporting success."

Success also coloured the media aspect of the event. With 1,000 accredited journalists at the start, over 88 hours of TV broadcasts, 5,200 press articles and 60 radio hours, the Route du Rhum – La Banque Postale is further establishing itself as the queen of French oceanic races. "This 8th edition will be remembered as one synonymous with records: a record line-up at the start, record crowds and a record time for Lionel Lemonchois, who, to use the expression by the President of the Region of Guadeloupe, transformed the Route du Rhum into the Rhum Express" concludes Pierre Bojic, General Manager of Pen Duick.

The rankings