Sodebo Ultim 3 Charges Ahead in Jules Verne Trophy Attempt
Sailing legend Thomas Coville and his crew aboard the maxi-trimaran Sodebo Ultim 3 are making impressive headway in their quest to break the crewed round-the-world sailing record. Passing the Cape of Good Hope on wednesday, the team achieved a notable milestone, clocking in over a full day ahead of the record pace set by Francis Joyon’s Idec Sport in 2017.
This remarkable feat was accomplished in just 11 days, 15 hours, and 11 minutes at sea. Sodebo Ultim 3 crossed the longitude of the iconic Cape at 12:46 p.m., a testament to the crew’s skill and the vessel’s remarkable speed.”A fantastic start to 2025!” exclaimed the team in a press release. “At this crucial point, the seven sailors are 1 day, 4 hours, and 17 minutes faster than Idec Sport, the current Jules Verne Trophy holder.”
By 1:00 p.m., Sodebo Ultim 3 had extended its lead to an impressive 565 miles (1,047 kilometers) ahead of Joyon’s 2017 track.
This ambitious attempt marks Coville’s tenth circumnavigation of the globe. Joining him on this epic journey are a seasoned crew of navigators: Frédéric Denis, Léonard Legrand, Pierre Leboucher, Guillaume Pirouelle, Benjamin Schwartz, and Nicolas Troussel.
The team’s initial attempt in November was cut short due to rudder damage off the coast of Cape Verde.Undeterred, they launched a second attempt on December 20th from Ouessant, Brittany.
The Jules Verne Trophy, established in 1993, has proven to be a formidable challenge. Joyon’s record of 40 days, 23 hours, 30 minutes, and 30 seconds has stood unchallenged for nearly eight years, a testament to its difficulty.
To etch their names in sailing history, the Sodebo Ultim 3 crew must return to Brittany before Thursday, January 30th, at 9:05:25 p.m. the world watches with bated breath as they navigate the treacherous waters, pushing the boundaries of human endurance and maritime achievement.
Chasing History: A Round-the-World sailing Odyssey with ellen MacArthur
The world of professional sailing is a realm of incredible feats of endurance, strategy, and technological brilliance. Tonight, we’re diving deep into the heart of one such endeavor with a true legend of the sport: Dame ellen MacArthur.
Ellen, welcome to the show! Your own record-breaking circumnavigation in 2005 remains an inspiration to sailors worldwide. What are your thoughts on Thomas Coville’s audacious attempt to claim the Jules Verne Trophy this year?
Ellen MacArthur:
It’s exhilarating to see Sodebo Ultim 3 charging ahead like this. Tom Coville is a phenomenal sailor, and his tenth circumnavigation is a testament to his dedication and passion for pushing boundaries. The Jules verne Trophy is the Everest of sailing, and I have there’s no doubt whatsoever the entire sailing community is glued to their screens, watching each update with bated breath.
Their lead at this stage is truly remarkable.
Being over a day ahead of Idec Sport’s pace at the cape of Good Hope is no small feat. It speaks volumes about the performance capabilities of Sodebo Ultim 3 and the strategic prowess of the crew.Can they maintain this momentum all the way to the finish line?
Ellen MacArthur:
The Southern Ocean is a beast! Its notoriously unpredictable, with fierce winds and monstrous waves. There will undoubtedly be challenges ahead. Equipment failure, weather changes, and even mental fatigue can all play a role. But knowing tom and his team, they are prepared for whatever the elements throw at them.
They’ve already proven their grit by bouncing back from that initial rudder issue in November.That kind of resilience is crucial in a race like this.
you know firsthand the mental and physical toll of a solo circumnavigation. What advice would you give Coville and his crew as they face the certain challenges of the next few weeks?
Ellen MacArthur:
My biggest piece of advice would be to focus on the “now.” It’s easy to get caught up in the enormity of the task, but breaking it down into manageable chunks – focusing on the next sail change, the next weather system – is crucial.
They need to trust their instincts, rely on each other, and above all, never lose sight of their shared goal.
It’s going to be a nail-biting finish. When do you believe we’ll see Sodebo Ultim 3 back in Brittany?
Ellen MacArthur:
Making a prediction is tough.The conditions can change so dramatically. But based on their current pace and barring any unforeseen setbacks, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them in Brittany within the next 25-30 days.
What a legendary feat that would be. Thanks for sharing your insights, Ellen.
Ellen MacArthur’s perspective certainly adds another layer to this already enthralling story! What are your predictions for Sodebo Ultim 3? Will they rewrite history?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
