The Route du Rhum is the biggest solo offshore racing event in the world. You only have to walk the dockside at the start venue in St Malo where 138 boats were alongside the quay and it’s clear that this race across the Atlantic is a serious crowd puller. In just under two weeks the race village will see 2 million visitors strolling through a staggering offshore grand prix pit lane.
PlanetSail was there and as part of our Route du Rhum special we talk to some of the key players to find out more about this extraordinary event and the advanced machines that take part in this 3,500 race across the Atlantic to Guadeloupe.
And while the winter may be drawing in up here and the clocks have gone forwards, there's still loads to report on including several new launches and key announcements in the America's Cup.
We've also been boat testing with reports on why Swan's latest launch is also its boldest along with a hands on assessment of the new Excess 15 performance cruising cat.
Plus, we have plenty in Docktalk.
It’s just as well the evenings have got longer.

CHAPTERS
01:02 America’s Cup new launches
03:55 What it's like to sail an AC40 - Nathan Outteridge explains
07:08 Docktalk Part 1
10:14 Sailing an Ocean 50 tri Matt joins Sam Goodchild
17:48 Charles Caudrelier on how to handle the 32m Ultime Gitana 17
24:19 The Ocean Race Runners & Riders IMOCA 60s
28:48 Latest IMOCA 60 developments
30:41 Sam Davies interview - Initiatives Coeur IMOCA 60
36:03 Pip Hare interview - Medallia IMOCA 60
40:26 Docktalk Part 2
42:20 Sailing trials aboard the ClubSwan 80
44:14 On Test - Excess 15

Full boat test reviews
ClubSwan 80 - https://youtu.be/-XIv_0HoIlI
Excess 15 - https://youtu.be/bq6zr-JrFak
Malizia tour with Will Harris - coming soon

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Picture credit: polaRYSE / GITANA SA

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