The 12th edition of the transatlantic classic Route du Rhum will not start on 6 November due to a severe storm warning. This was announced by the organisers on the morning of 5 November in Saint-Malo. A new start date for the approximately 3,500 nautical mile race across the pond has not yet been set. The French organisers are waiting for the weather to improve in the Breton starting port of Saint-Malo and currently have their sights set on 8 or 9 November as the new start date.
The effects of tropical storm Martin are too brutal
The official statement said the day before the start: "Following consultations with weather advisors, the organisers of the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe of OC Sport Pen Duick have decided to postpone the start of the 12th edition while they wait to find a better weather window for a new start on Tuesday 8 November or Wednesday 9 November."
The precautionary measure is due to the expected effects of Tropical Storm Martin, which would have hit the fleet in the Breton launch area, particularly on Sunday night and Monday itself with a severe storm with winds of over 50 knots and brutal swell. Malizia weather expert Will Harris said: "On Monday afternoon the fleet would have encountered a front with more than 50 knots of wind. That's a lot and probably not very safe. Although we were very ready for this start, the race organisers have to consider safety for the whole fleet. Now we will probably start on Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning."
The organisers' statement reads: "The decision takes all factors into account, but above all the safety of the 138 sailors." Among them is Boris Herrmann from Hamburg, who wants to sail his second Route du Rhum after 2018 with his new yacht "Malizia - Seaexplorer". "In my opinion, the postponement of the start is a good decision," commented Boris Herrmann on the decision. Charlie Dalin's router Jure Jerman is tipping Tuesday as the new start day, saying: "That's very likely."
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
