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Welcome to ‘les Saintes’ in Guadeloupe, which was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. Here stands the Fort Napoleon museum where you will find all you need to know regarding the historic naval battles between the French and the English. This part of the island also boasts the largest training center for skippers in Guadeloupe.
Head of Guadeloupe Grand Large Jean-Paul Fischer explained:’‘Our main objective here is to train local sailors so that they will be able to compete with the best in future events. Participants will have three months preparation before we decide who has the potential to become a professional sailor.’‘
Fenetrea-Cardinala skipper Erwan Leroux added: ‘‘A Guadeloupean winning the Route du Rhum would be a dream come true for us. Maybe I’ll even witness it, at least i know it’s possible now.’‘
This year’s Route du Rhum is drawing to a close but celebrations are far from over as sailors are still making their way to Point-a-Pitre, a town which is already thinking about the next edition it will host in 2018.