The official announcement of the Route du Rhum start — November 1st, 2026 — marks a new chapter for Proludic, faithful partner of Charlie Capelle, who will line up for the 7th time at the start of this solo transatlantic race, under the Proludic – La Chaîne de l’Espoir colours. Pre-registered in the Vintage Multi category, he will be part of a fleet of 12 historic multihulls within a line-up of 117 boats. A participation that extends a powerful story between a sailor, his boat, and the race that shaped his life.
A legendary race and a meaningful commitment for Proludic
Created in 1978, the Route du Rhum has become one of the most popular ocean races. It brings together seasoned professionals and experienced amateurs in a solo crossing that, every four years, reaffirms between Saint-Malo and Pointe-à-Pitre its spirit of freedom, diversity, and pushing one’s limits.
Charlie’s participation, supported by Proludic and carrying the colours of La Chaîne de l’Espoir, embeds the company in a positive and solidarity-driven dynamic. It fits into a project blending human adventure, technical rigor, and commitment to an essential cause: access to medical care for the most vulnerable children.
For pleasure, and for memory
For Charlie Capelle, returning in 2026 is an obvious choice.
“It’s an addiction to the Route du Rhum. And as my wife says, it’s an addiction that doesn’t make you sick.”
At 70, the desire remains intact. “Already, taking the start is very intense, very emotional. You wonder if you’re going to make it… And when you arrive on the other side of the Atlantic, it’s an exceptional relief,” explains the sailor, whose pleasure in crossing the ocean alone on Acapella never fades.
Charlie is not aiming for victory. He is returning to pass on a story — that of the trimaran twin to Mike Birch’s boat, the first Route du Rhum winner in 1978. Acapella, built at the Walter Greene shipyard where Charlie began his career in the early 80s, carries within it a founding piece of the Rhum legend.
Vintage Multi: a heritage category within an exceptional fleet
Charlie will compete in Vintage Multi, a category restricted to twelve competitors, created to highlight the boats and sailors who shaped the history of the transatlantic race. Alongside Acapella, several ORMA trimarans — larger and faster — are expected to return in 2026, recalling Florence Arthaud’s feat.
On November 1st, off Saint-Malo, this Vintage Multi family will join on the starting line the Ultims capable of crossing the Atlantic in less than seven days, the IMOCA from the Vendée Globe, the Ocean Fifty, and nearly forty Class40. A dense, diverse and spectacular fleet.
At the helm of his 11.50-meter yellow trimaran, one of the smallest in this exceptional line-up, Charlie is targeting a three-week race. His performance goals focus on meticulous preparation of his lifelong companion.
“I’ve done Routes du Rhum without opening the toolbox. Not touching a screwdriver and focusing on the boat’s pace — that’s my biggest challenge,” explains the man who has saved Acapella from sinking twice and completely restored it.
For several months, he has been working with the meticulousness that defines him. “This year, I’ve gone deep into the wooden finishes. The painting is done. The fittings are installed. The new protection is in place. This winter, I’m focusing on electricity and electronics,” he details, eager to return to the sea.
Spring can’t come soon enough!
The date is set: on March 15th, 2026, Charlie’s 71st birthday, Acapella will be relaunched. After a few qualifying sails — a formality for a sailor who knows his boat “like the back of his hand” — the trimaran will reach Saint-Malo in mid-October.
There, it will return to its iconic spot at the foot of the ramparts, at the heart of the race village, ready for the grand departure toward Guadeloupe under the Proludic – La Chaîne de l’Espoir colours.
