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Now in its 13th edition, the race has been held every four years since 1978, bringing together sailors competing across six classes. From the autumn weather systems of the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay to the Atlantic trade winds, each skipper must manage strategy, manoeuvres, rest and unexpected situations entirely alone.
SLAM will be represented by seven sailors across four classes: Alexia Barrier in ULTIM, Luke Berry in Ocean Fifty, Manuel Cousin, Arnaud Boissières and Sébastien Simon in IMOCA, and Jonas Gerckens and Axel Tréhin in Class40. Seven different stories, united by the pursuit of performance and the need for reliable technical equipment in demanding offshore conditions.
The first woman to compete in the Route du Rhum's ULTIM class, Alexia Barrier will take the helm of IDEC SPORT – CIC, a 31.5-metre maxi trimaran. After finishing the 2020–2021 Vendée Globe in 24th place and leading an all-female crew around the world non-stop with The Famous Project, the French sailor is returning to solo ocean racing.
"I know this boat, but when sailing solo, every manoeuvre, every decision and every difficulty takes on a different dimension. My personal challenge will be to stay ambitious while remaining lucid."
On an ULTIM, managing energy is crucial, and so is having the right clothing. For Alexia, the essential piece is the thermal base layer worn next to the skin, providing warmth, moisture management and freedom of movement.
For Luke Berry, this will be his third Route du Rhum, but his first at the helm of an Ocean Fifty, departing from his home city of Saint-Malo. Runner-up in the 2015 Mini Transat and third in the 2025 Transat Café L'Or alongside Antoine Joubert, he has progressed from Mini 6.50 to Class40 and then multihull racing. Sleep management will also be essential, balancing rest with tactical decisions and manoeuvres. Among his SLAM essentials, Luke chooses the Altura FZ Grid Fleece for its versatility:
©Vincent OLIVAUD / Route du Rhum 2026
With two completed Vendée Globes behind him, Manuel Cousin is preparing for his third Route du Rhum aboard Coup de Pouce. After finishing 23rd in the 2020–2021 Vendée Globe and 31st in 2024–2025, he faces a new challenge: his first Atlantic crossing aboard a foiling IMOCA. Manuel also highlights the harsh realities of life on board, from constant impacts against the waves to wet conditions and physical strain. Clothing needs change throughout the crossing:
"When you need to go on deck, particularly from the start until at least the Canary Islands, it is cold and you need to stay dry. Then there are the lightweight layers that SLAM makes, which are really nice and comfortable. We really appreciate the SLAM shorts and T-shirts — they are excellent for the rest of the crossing."
His participation also supports Coup de Pouce, an association dedicated to helping children develop essential learning skills and preventing early educational difficulties.
©Loic VENANCE / AFP / Route du Rhum
A sailor and boatbuilder, Axel Tréhin began his career by rebuilding a damaged Mini 6.50 that he bought at the age of 19. In 2025, he won the Rolex Fastnet Race and the Normandy Channel Race in Class40, arriving at his second Route du Rhum with high ambitions. At the helm of Exalt, Class40 number 214, Axel expects the crossing to take a little under two weeks. Conditions on board will be physically demanding:
"What is hard to imagine is how violent these boats can be. They slam into the waves, and you spend a lot of time holding on and tensing up. It soon gives you a headache."
This is why he considers his offshore salopettes indispensable:
"I do not want discomfort to hold me back when I need to trim my sails as often as possible. Whether it is hot or cold, they are lightweight and waterproof, and I keep them on."
Five Route du Rhum appearances and four completed Vendée Globes: Arnaud Boissières, known as "Cali", is among the most experienced sailors in the IMOCA fleet. Seventh in the 2008–2009 Vendée Globe and eighth in 2012–2013, he added an IMOCA class victory at the 2026 Drheam Cup to his record.
At the helm of APRIL Marine, Boissières will bring more than twenty years of ocean racing experience to the Atlantic crossing, an invaluable asset when facing difficult conditions and the unexpected challenges of solo sailing.
©Vincent OLIVAUD / Route du Rhum 2026
Jonas Gerckens is returning for his third Route du Rhum, following a 14th-place finish in 2018 and a retirement in the 2022 edition. The Belgian skipper will race aboard Belgium Ocean Racing – Curium, having secured his qualification through the 2026 Drheam Cup.
His offshore racing experience will be an important advantage in one of the race's most competitive classes, where consistency, strategy and the ability to maintain a strong pace can make all the difference.
Third in the 2024–2025 Vendée Globe and winner of the 2018 Solitaire du Figaro, Sébastien Simon will be one of the sailors to watch in the IMOCA fleet. Making his Route du Rhum debut, but already preparing for his ninth transatlantic crossing, the French skipper will race aboard Groupe Dubreuil – Air Caraïbes, a newly built IMOCA designed by Guillaume Verdier and launched in August 2026.
"I'm certainly not a rookie, but this race will be particularly challenging because we have a brand-new boat. I still need to get to know her better and build more confidence in her potential. I'll try to push her as much as possible, both to learn and to focus on the future."
The new boat features a fully enclosed, watertight cockpit, allowing the skipper to spend most of the crossing sheltered from the wind and spray. This design also influences his choice of SLAM technical clothing, a brand that has supported Simon since his previous ocean racing campaign.
Beyond the boat's performance figures and racing data, Sébastien is particularly keen to share the emotions of ocean racing: "Life during the crossing is actually very simple: I try to rest, eat and push the boat as hard as I can. Ocean racing is my passion, and I'd really like to share that passion with others."
Loic VENANCE / AFP / Route du Rhum
The sailors' accounts reveal what race trackers and rankings cannot show: demanding manoeuvres, fragmented sleep, changing weather conditions and the constant need to maintain focus and comfort over many days at sea.
From the thermal protection required during the early stages of the crossing to the lighter layers needed when approaching the Caribbean, technical clothing must adapt to the changing demands of offshore sailing.
From Alexia Barrier's essential base layer to Luke Berry's Altura FZ Grid Fleece, from Axel Tréhin's offshore salopettes to the lightweight garments appreciated by Manuel Cousin, a common priority emerges: being able to focus on sailing, knowing their equipment will support every movement.
For those who sail, it is also essential to have the right clothing for whatever conditions the sea may have in store. And the Pro Offshore Jacket will protect you against wind, water, salt and rain with its 15,000 mm waterproofing, high-visibility retractable hood and warm lined high collar.
The Pro Offshore Bibs are unisex overalls made using 15,000 mm waterproof and breathable recycled material, suitable for those who want a garment that can be used either on its own to protect the legs and torso with a single piece, or in combination with a jacket.
The Pro Seamless Merino Tights is suitable for those who know how important it is to wear an undergarment that is comfortable, ergonomic, quick to dry, and elastic. The Merino-blend yarn also makes for a pleasant sensation against the skin.
Unisex thermal jersey made of Dryarn, the lightest, warmest and most breathable in the world. Long sleeve, ergonomic, breathable and insulating. Pro Seamless Top long sleeve is a first layer that just feels good to wear.
