French skipper Michel Desjoyeaux has won the multihull category of the Route du Rhum trans-Atlantic solo race.

The 37-year-old reached Guadeloupe at 1638 local time on Saturday, completing the race from the French port of Saint-Malo in 13 days, seven hours, and 53 minutes.

"It is really excellent to finish at 30 mph in the bay of Pointe a Pitre," Desjoyeau said on arrival.

"I wanted to give this moment to all the people who came out here to greet me.

Desjoyeaux was one of only three remaining competitors in the category.

Of the 18 big multihulls that set sail from Saint-Malo on 10 November, 15 were forced to withdraw because of rough winds.

On Sunday, Steve Ravussin became the latest competitor to be rescued at sea.

The Swiss skipper, who was leading the multihulls until he capsized on Tuesday, was picked up by a rescue team on a tow boat.

On Friday, British skipper Ellen MacArthur sailed across the finish line to win the Route du Rhum monohull category in record time on Kingfisher.