Armel Le Cléac’h takes on the challenge of the 2026 Route du Rhum aboard the Maxi Banque Populaire XI

On November 1^st, Armel Le Cléac’h will be setting sail on this legendary solo transatlantic race. The Banque Populaire skipper and the entire Team Banque Populaire are entering the final phase of their preparations with calm determination as they gear up for one of the key highlights of the French sailing season.

Banque Populaire enters the race for the 9^th time

“The boat is ready and we’re all set,” says Armel Le Cléac’h. “The Maxi Banque Populaire XI is now in race configuration: the major decisions regarding the yacht’s underwater appendages, sails, and technical setup have all been finalized.”

A few days before the start of the Route du Rhum, the Banque Populaire skipper, who will be competing in the race for the 5^th time, is highly motivated and determined to add another achievement to what is already one of the most impressive records in offshore sailing.

For Banque Populaire, this edition marks the 9^th time it has taken part in the race, a series that includes a victory with Loïck Peyron in 2014. This regular participation also reflects the loyalty and ambition of the Banque Populaire brand regarding elite sailing, as well as the work of an entire team of engineers, technicians, craftspeople, and members of Team Banque Populaire, confirming the saying: “no one succeeds alone.” It’s this combination of expertise, boldness, and teamwork that enables people to strive for excellence and gives tangible expression to the values defended by Banque Populaire.

Saint-Malo decked out in the colors of the Route du Rhum

The race village opened in Saint-Malo on October 20 for the period leading up to the start of the race. For a few more days, the public will be able to come and admire the 118 boats entered in this new edition of the solo transatlantic race and enjoy the many activities planned throughout the event. Nearly 1.5 million spectators are expected over the 10 days the village will be welcoming visitors.

Learn more about Team Banque Populaire and follow the race

The Route du Rhum illustrates a conviction: behind Armel Le Cléac’h’s solo performance lies the collective strength of the entire Team Banque Populaire, just as in any entrepreneurial venture.

To highlight this message and express the conviction that success is never achieved alone, a film centered on a universal theme, breath, can be viewed on replay and streaming platforms until November 1^st. Through a series of technical movements and moments of breathing, craftspeople, engineers and technicians take center stage. Their efforts echo those of Armel Le Cléac’h and will be online until the moment the Maxi Banque Populaire XI sets sail toward the horizon.

This idea continues in the documentary series À la Base (‘Fundamentally’), an in-depth journey behind the scenes of Team Banque Populaire over the past twelve months. Across four 30-minute episodes, the series recounts both successes and difficulties overcome, and highlights the commitment, know-how, and excellence of an entire team working to promote an outstanding performance. It can be viewed on the YouTube platform.

Once the race begins, the progress made by Armel Le Cléac’h and the Maxi Banque Populaire XI can be followed on the Banque Populaire social networks @teambanquepopulaire and on the Voile Banque Populaire website. Starting on November 1, an online map will make it possible to track the boat’s progress in real time during the race, all the way to the finish line in Guadeloupe.