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Gilles Lamiré, a Martinique native now based in Saint-Malo, faced a challenging moment during the 2026 Route du Rhum when his vintage multihull encountered the race’s demanding Atlantic conditions. According to race organizers, the skipper’s 20-year-old vessel, competing in the Vintage Multi category, suffered significant damage when sailing through sustained seas with 30-knot winds gusting to 35 knots and wave heights exceeding 3.5 meters.
The damage proved substantial: the boat’s port float broke under the strain of the rough conditions. Lamiré responded quickly by securing his mast to prevent further structural damage. Through satellite telephone contact with his support team, the skipper confirmed he was in no immediate danger and declined any rescue assistance.
At the time of the report, Lamiré was sailing downwind while awaiting a shift in wind direction to the east. Once the wind changes, he will be able to sail using his intact starboard float, which should allow him to continue the race more effectively. Race organizers noted that a complete assessment of the damage would only be possible once weather conditions improved over the following 12 hours, at which point Lamiré would decide whether to continue his Route du Rhum campaign.
The Route du Rhum is a prestigious transatlantic sailing race that runs from France to Guadeloupe. The 2026 edition features competitors across multiple boat categories, including the Vintage Multi class for older multihull vessels. The race attracts sailors from across the French Caribbean and metropolitan France.
As a Martinique-born sailor competing in one of the Caribbean’s most significant sporting events, Lamiré represents the region’s maritime heritage and competitive sailing tradition. His participation in the Route du Rhum underscores the strong connection between Caribbean sailors and this historic transatlantic challenge that terminates in Guadeloupe.
Sources and attribution
- Guadeloupe La 1ère
- Gilles Lamiré – Skipper – Voiles et Voiliers
- Gilles Lamiré en replay – Confidences de marins
- Route du Rhum. Le skipper malouin, Gilles Lamiré, victime d'une avarie
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