Basile Bourgnon (Edenred) wins the OCEAN50 class in the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe
by La Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe 11 Nov 08:16 UTC
11 November 2026
Young French skipper Basile Bourgnon held firm to the very end, winning the Ocean Fifty class on the Route du Rhum Destination Guadeloupe in the very early hours of this morning.
His is a win full of flair and symbolic significance. Basile Bourgnon emerged triumphant following an incredible battle in the Ocean Fiftys. Crossing the finish line this Wednesday, November 11, at 1h12 (local time) / 5h12 (UTC), the Edenred skipper claimed victory after a contest lasting 9 days, 17 hours, and 10 minutes and breaks the previous record in Ocean Fifty with 1 day, 4 hours, 25 minutes et 29 seconds. As the pre-race favourite, the 24-year-old sailor set the pace and overcame every challenge: a tropical depression, the loss of his J0 headsail, a late-race surge from his rivals, and finally light winds around Guadeloupe. He continues an extraordinary family legacy, following in the footsteps of his late father—who won the overall race in both 1994 and 1998.
Basile Bourgnon: His race in numbers:
- Finish time (Pointe-à-Pitre): 01 h 12 min 23 sec
- Finish time (UTC): 05 h 12 min 23 sec
- Race duration: 9 days, 17 hours, and 10 minutes, 23 seconds
- Distance covered: 4058,63 nautical miles
- Average speed (great-circle route): 15,14 knots
- Average speed (actual distance sailed): 17,41 knots
The story of his race: Basile, winner of an incredible battle
Setting off across a relatively clear Atlantic, the Ocean Fifty fleet faced a demanding, atypical transatlantic crossing, requiring them to navigate a succession of complex weather systems amidst frequently challenging sea conditions. As the designated favourite, Basile Bourgnon (Edenred)—who secured a victory marked by both flair and deep symbolic significance—maintained his leadership from start to finish. He signalled his intent right from the outset, becoming the first to execute a gybe south of Ireland. The skipper pushed his boat to the limit, hitting a top speed of 43.1 knots—a new speed record for Edenred.
He sailed with the confidence of a seasoned leader, holding his ground firmly. After navigating a trough on November 3rd—the first major tactical hurdle of the transatlantic crossing—Basile began to pull away from the fleet. His natural ease and mastery were reminiscent of his father (see below). By November 7th, his lead had stretched to an impressive 117 miles! However, the Edenred skipper had to fight hard until the very end, particularly after losing his J0—a crucial sail for heading up in light winds and bearing away in stronger breezes. The final stretch was nail-biting, offering no respite: he had to navigate through a tropical depression, followed by a series of gybes in a thin, northerly airflow. Basile held firm, caught an easterly breeze, and managed to extend his lead once more. Despite a particularly long circumnavigation of the island of Guadeloupe, he remained relentless all the way to the finish line, which he crossed in the dead of the night.
A Portrait: The Heir
In 1994 and 1998, Laurent Bourgnon won the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe, leaving an indelible mark on the race's history. As the only two-time overall winner, Laurent Bourgnon was renowned for his boldness, his talent, and his meticulous attention to every single detail. He was one of the first to commit to a rigorous physical training regimen, and also the first to work tirelessly to optimise his boats. His son, Basile, grew up primarily on a boat by his side, spending seven years sailing around the world. Laurent instilled in him a love for freedom, as well as the conviction that whatever one undertakes, it must be done with total commitment. Basile took this lesson to heart: he chose offshore racing, and he gives his all to it. A force of nature, an exceptional racer, and a deeply engaging personality, the skipper has climbed to the pinnacle of his sport, bolstered by the unwavering support of his team and his sponsor (Edenred). At 24, he is the youngest winner in the history of the Route du Rhum—across all categories—since Ellen MacArthur (then 22) won in the 50 foot monohull class in 1998.
Read the full profile of Basile Bourgnon on the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe website.
Track the fleet via www.routedurhum.com