Route du Rhum Destination Guadeloupe: Charles Caudrelier, the defending champion
Winner of the 2022 Route du Rhum–Destination Guadeloupe after a virtually flawless race aboard the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, Gitana 17, and holder of the race record of 6 days, 19 hours, 47 minutes and 25 seconds, Charles Caudrelier is preparing to defend his title.
Four years ago, at the helm of the most advanced foiling multihull of its generation, the Gitana skipper started as favourite, despite being a newcomer to both the race and solo trimaran sailing. Today, at 52, the man to beat is at the helm of a highly innovative maxi-multihull launched on 14 February, less than eight months before the start of the legendary transatlantic race.
This Route du Rhum will be the new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, Gitana 18's very first race and her first opportunity to go head-to-head with the competition. It is a challenge Charles and his team cannot wait to take on.
A sailor in a class of his own
Charles Caudrelier's story is that of an understated, hardworking sailor who has steadily made his way to the very top of his sport. His career has been built on experience and success earned step by step, adding further weight to the achievements of a sailor who has become a master at handling giant foiling multihulls single-handed.
Two Volvo Ocean Race victories had firmly established his reputation in the English-speaking sailing world, but it was not until the 2020s that French-speaking audiences, with their particular passion for solo sailing, fully came to appreciate the talents of this modest and discreet sailor.
The crowning achievement of a remarkable journey aboard Gitana 17 came with his victory in the 2024 Arkéa Ultim Challenge–Brest, the first solo round-the-world race for giant ocean-going foiling multihulls. It was the achievement that truly brought Charles Caudrelier into the spotlight. His fellow sailors, however, had long recognised his exceptional talent, meticulous attention to detail, intelligence and tenacity.
A Merchant Navy graduate who made his way into offshore racing through the demanding proving ground of the Figaro circuit, Caudrelier now boasts one of the most impressive records in French sailing. Over the past twenty years, he has claimed victories in the Solitaire du Figaro, Volvo Ocean Race, Rolex Fastnet Race, Transat Jacques Vabre, Route du Rhum and numerous other major events.
Yet glory has never been his motivation. "I'm not looking to keep adding more wins to my record. What gets me out of bed in the morning is the sheer desire," he admits.
Since joining Gitana Team in 2019, he has played a central role in developing Gitana 17 into a formidable racing machine and securing her greatest successes. He has brought the same passion and commitment to the development of the new, revolutionary Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, aboard which he will now set off for the first time in what he calls "the race closest to my heart".
In Charles Caudrelier’s words:
A different situation
"In 2022, I went into the race as favourite. My boat was ahead of the game. I'd won everything, I'd done a huge amount of sailing and I was completely comfortable handling Gitana 17. I knew her settings down to the last ten centimetres. I felt I had the edge over my rivals in every respect, even though it was my first Route du Rhum.
"This year is very different. I have more experience and confidence sailing giant foiling multihulls single-handed, and I know myself inside out, but I don't know Gitana 18 nearly as well. I know she's fast, but she's not yet performing at 100% of her potential. I'm going to discover new things and encounter conditions I haven't sailed her in before, so I'll have to adapt.
"It's a different approach, but that's a challenge I really enjoy. Even if I'm not the favourite, we're going to do everything we can to fight for the win, whatever happens."
Sailing solo, a collective achievement
"I've always felt comfortable sailing solo. It's where I feel I'm at my best as a sailor, and it's one of my greatest strengths. But, as in Formula 1, a sport I often like to draw comparisons with, even the best driver is nothing without the best car and the best team.
"And my greatest strength is the team around me. Gitana Team and I have a long history together. We discovered foiling together, came through difficult times and progressed together. They're all incredibly talented people. We work through discussion and exchange, in a calm, constructive atmosphere, and we've developed the ability to react quickly, along with enormous mutual trust. We have an exceptionally strong team.
"Thanks to them, I probably have the most innovative boat of the five or six giant multihulls in existence worldwide. That's a privilege, and something I must never forget. There are a lot of people behind it, investments made and expectations to meet. My job is to turn all that work into results on the racecourse. It's a huge responsibility.
"At the same time, I know how lucky I am. Sailing is a technical sport where the skipper's talent alone isn't enough. What really matters is having a good team and committed owners who stand behind you. I've been fortunate enough to have all of that for the past eight years."