Sodebo Ultim 3 closing on Jules Verne record
Alexandra
Sodebo Ultim 3 is now under 1,000 nautical miles from the Jules Verne finish, carrying a >600 nm lead over the Idec Sport benchmark and targeting a finish before 20:31 UTC on 25 January to beat the standing record of 40d 23h 30m 30s. The final North Atlantic leg will expose the trimaran to Storm Ingrid with forecasted winds in excess of 40–50 knots and swells potentially over 10 meters, forcing immediate routing and load-management decisions.
Current position, timings and immediate risks
The Sodebo team has built a cumulative advantage through strong South Atlantic and Southern Ocean legs, but the last 48 hours are tactical and tactical only. Routing has been adjusted to push westward to create leeward room for a planned downwind run when the low pressure intensifies. That westward bias trades distance for safer sailing angles and lower structural loads on foils and crossbeams.
Key timeline and thresholds
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Distance to finish | < 1,000 nm |
| Lead over Idec Sport (2017) | > 600 nm |
| Target cutoff to beat record | 20:31 UTC, 25 January |
| Forecast peak winds | 40–50+ knots |
| Forecast swells | 10+ m |
How Sodebo made this position: milestones and strategy
The current bid is the most successful Jules Verne attempt by a foiling Ultim trimaran. Sodebo’s campaign surpassed previous stoppage-prone attempts from Gitana 17 and SVR Lazartigue by stringing together fast, sustained foiling runs and selecting favourable weather windows at departure and through the South Atlantic. Key tactical moves included a westerly detour around the St Helena High and conservative sailplans when sea states grew complex.
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Benchmarks passed
- Equator crossings: new record for the first crossing after four days and four hours.
- Cape of Good Hope: rounded in 10 days 23 hours, beating Gitana Maxi Edmond de Rothschild’s mark.
- Cape Horn: set a new benchmark with an ~11-hour advantage over Idec Sport.
Crew, boat limits and structural considerations
Skipper Thomas Coville sails with Benjamin Schwarz, Frédéric Denis, Pierre Leboucher, Léonard Legrand, Guillaume Pirouelle and Nicolas Troussel. Over the circumnavigation the crew has been balancing aggressive foiling speeds—regularly 30–35+ knots—against fatigue management and structural risk, particularly for appendages and foils that have repeatedly been failure points on earlier attempts.
Planned measures for Storm Ingrid
- Maintain upwind sailing as long as safe, then transition downwind through leeward corridor.
- Reduce sail area and limit apparent wind angles to reduce foil slam.
- Manage crew watch cycles and secure on-deck systems for extreme slamming and green water.
Operational lessons for charter and rental markets
High-profile ocean records like the Jules Verne attempt highlight operational realities that also matter to leisure sailing and boat rental operators. Forecast accuracy, route flexibility and safe operational thresholds are as critical for a circumnavigation as they are for a week-long yacht charter in exposed seas. For charter companies, the Sodebo case reinforces the value of:
- Robust weather planning and real-time routing tools when offering coastal and blue-water itineraries;
- Clear safety limits and skipper authority to adjust plans when conditions exceed comfort or design parameters;
- Vessel capability matching—ensuring clients book craft appropriate for expected sea states (e.g., catamaran vs. monohull vs. foiler).
Practical considerations for renters and skippers
| Issue | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Sudden severe weather | Have alternate safe harbours and contingency fuel; brief clients on likely itinerary changes. |
| Equipment limits | Set hard limits for heel, wind angle, speed for each vessel type; perform post-trip inspections. |
| Booking flexibility | Offer flexible cancellation or rebooking tied to weather warnings to maintain trust. |
Historic context and technical edge
Ultim trimarans are purpose-built for sustained foiling and extreme speeds, a trait that made Sodebo’s run possible. Previous campaigns, including Charles Caudrelier’s Gitana 17 and solo runs in the Arkea Ultim Challenge, show how close margins and exposure to floating debris or impassable sea states in Biscay can force stops. The difference this time has been a phasing of speed with conservative routing through risky sectors to protect structural integrity while maintaining a record pace.
Call to action and short forecast
The immediate global tourism impact of Sodebo’s finish is limited—this is a specialist sporting moment rather than a driver of mass travel change—but the narrative matters to coastal destinations and the yachting community. Lessons on weather routing, vessel matching and contingency planning filter into charter standards and guest expectations. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!
GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, as we truly understand what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean. The GetBoat service values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course. It places no limits on a good life, allowing clients to find a vessel that suits their preferences, budget, and taste — whether you dream of a calm bay day, an adrenaline-fueled offshore passage, or a romantic sunset charter.
Highlights to remember: Sodebo’s attempt showcases extreme foiling performance, careful routing against Storm Ingrid, and the importance of crew discipline and structural margins. Experiencing a new location is always a multifaceted process, where one learns about the culture, nature, the indescribable palette of local colors, its rhythm of life and also the unique aspects of the service. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com
Summary: Sodebo Ultim 3 is in the closing stage of an audacious Jules Verne challenge, balancing a substantial lead over Idec Sport with prudent routing to weather Storm Ingrid. The episode reinforces key themes for yachting and charter markets: precise weather routing, vessel capability, and the primacy of crew-led safety decisions. For charterers and travelers, these lessons translate into better-informed choices when selecting a yacht or captain, whether for a short beach hop, a lake escape, or an ocean passage. GetBoat supports these choices with a transparent, global platform for yacht and boat charter, sale and rent—helping skippers and guests find the right vessel, compare make and model details, and book trips that match their ambitions on sea, gulf or marinas. Sail wisely and enjoy the water, sunseeker moments, fishing trips, and unforgettable yachting activities—book your next adventure today.
