Skipper Philippe Monnet of France (R) shows off the broken bottle of champagne used to name Mike Birch of Canada's boat during a ceremony prior to the start of the 2002 Route du Rhum, November 8, 2002. From L: French sailor Olivier de Kersauzon, Jean-Louis Roucayrol, French skipper Marc Guillemot's son, Patrick Favre, Marc Guillemot, Nicolas Peitrequin, Mike Birch , Bob Escoffier and Philippe Monnet. 41 boats will start November 9 for the monohulls and one day later for the multihulls in the seventh edition of France's most prestigious transatlantic solo race from Saint-Malo, French Britanny to the overseas territory of [Guadeloupe]. Birch, 71, who won the first edition, is the only skipper who participated in all the races.