Route du Rhum special: The Foil Podcast on the biggest solo race on the planet

The Foil has released a Route du Rhum special as Episode 44 of its podcast, published on YouTube on 29 October 2026. It is a long conversation about the history, personalities and high stakes of racing solo across the Atlantic. Andy Rice also shares his experience aboard Gitana 18.

If you want to know why this race is such a big deal, or who to watch in the Ultim and IMOCA fleets, it's worth your time.

What makes the Route du Rhum one of offshore sailing's great spectacles?

Marcus Hutchinson joins Neil Cole and Andy Rice for a Route du Rhum special, exploring the history, personalities and high stakes of racing solo across the Atlantic from Saint-Malo to Guadeloupe.

From the dramatic first edition and the storms of 2002 to the latest foiling giants, they look at why this race means so much in France, and who to watch this time. Andy shares his experience aboard Gitana 18, while Marcus weighs up the Ultim and IMOCA contenders, the importance of preparation, and the hazards of racing at extraordinary speeds.

They also discuss offshore sailing's sponsorship model, collision-avoidance technology, the enduring appeal of older boats, and how to follow the action.

Video: The Foil