Loic Escoffier in his catamaran Lodigroup won the Route du Rum in the multi category. Second behind Roland Jourdain, Malouin was finally crowned Queen of the Atlantic Races as the Wee Xplore’s skipper broke an engine seal observed after crossing the line, resulting in a 90-minute penalty. A win that rewarded Loy’s early defense with his team and LODIGROUP in St.-Bad, who fell four months ago in southern Ireland.

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Incredible comeback at Pointe-à-Pitre this afternoon! Roland Jourdain headed over the line with a 43-minute lead before the Wee Xplore captain conceded victory to Loic Escoffier after a 90-minute penalty. A completely crazy situation “Two days ago, I knew a match would happen, I am an optimist! And yet, I still returned code 0, “Why am I returning code 0?” “. 90 minutes penalty, it was just played. It’s a frenzy, I pushed to the end… This win, we had to get it! »

So, the Malouin Memorial ACTe arrived on the pontoon as a winner and received a standing ovation from the public! Lodigroup’s skipper returned to his best race with the thought of long-time Rum Multi contender Gilles Buckenhout in the lead two days ago when he was tipped upside down before a freighter was present on the pontoons to congratulate him. .. an ordeal that Loic Escoffier himself experienced four months ago when he overturned in the south of Ireland, which makes this victory all the more beautiful and delicious. There are many emotions today. 4 months ago, I didn’t know if I was going to start. I was being airlifted over the Irish Sea and I wasn’t smart. The boat was new and luckily I have a great sponsor because there are a lot of people who want to quit after that. And with what happened to me, I had no room for error, and I knew it. I hit the brakes first, then felt like I had to go at some point, so I set my alarm with my listening device in my hand the whole time. Loic commented tearfully.

Sixteen years after his last participation in the Route du Rum, when he finished fourth, Loyk will happily rediscover the joys of competition and prove that he hasn’t lost his keen sense of strategy! In the leading group from the start, Malouin also rejoiced in the battle that took place throughout this crossing, “Even in an amateur class – I call it “enlightened amateur” – there was a competition, even if it was. It takes a little longer than the others. We hurt ourselves like everyone else, even longer. My brother Kevin Coming fourth, they come in pocket handkerchiefs. We also have a lot to do, Hallward (Mabir) and Marc (Guillemot) are behind. »

With this victory, Loic added his name to the list of great sailors to have won the event and added a new title to the Escoffier family, which now has four members (Franc-Yves Escoffier, whose father is a triple winner). A big shout out to Malouin, who plans to enjoy this moment before returning too soon to his life as a fishing boat owner in Saint-Malo!