Around-the-World Speed: Jules Verne Challenge

To beat the Jules Verne Trophy record teams must sustain an average of 21.96 knots across a minimum course of 21,600 nautical miles, rounding the three Capes non-stop and crossing the start/finish line between Le Créac’h Lighthouse and Lizard Point under strict World Sailing Speed Record Council ratification.

Current contenders and race dynamics

The most tangible contest on the water sees Thomas Coville aboard the 105‑foot Sodebo Ultim 3 in a headlong run to better the benchmark set by Francis Joyon and crew on IDEC SPORT. Coville departed on December 15, crossed the equator on January 19 holding a 300+ nm advantage over Joyon’s theoretical split, and faces a final 3,000+ nm window with a hard cutoff of 20:31 on January 25 to claim the record.

Also on course is Alexia Barrier with her crew sailing The Famous Project CIC on board the current record holder IDEC SPORT. Despite running ahead of Coville in raw distance at certain points, Barrier’s November 29 start puts her more than 2,000 nm adrift of the 2017 record pace; her principal objective remains to establish an all‑female reference time for the route.

Why the final Pacific ascent matters

The stretch north toward western France forces skippers to reconcile optimal routing with weather windows and structural preservation. Wind insufficiency has stopped multiple attempts early, while others have succumbed to damage. In practice, teams entering the final Pacific ascent are in a literal race against the clock: they must balance aggressive foiling or surfing strategies with conservative sail selection to avoid catastrophic failures that would eliminate any chance of ratification.

Record facts and technical parameters

Split time references (full crew benchmarks)

• Ushant–Equator: 4d 20h 07' (Spindrift 2, 2019)
• Equator–Cape Aiguilles: 6d 08h 55' (Banque Populaire V, 2012)
• Cape Aiguilles–Cape Leeuwin: 4d 09h 32' (IDEC SPORT, 2017)
• Cape Leeuwin–Cape Horn: 9d 08h 46' (IDEC SPORT, 2017)
• Cape Horn–Equator: 7d 04h 27' (Banque Populaire V, 2012)
• Equator–Ushant: 5d 19h 21' (IDEC SPORT, 2017)

Historic winners of the trophy

The trophy’s progression underlines rapid innovation in multihull design and crewed performance. The nine teams that have held the title span from Bruno Peyron’s Commodore Explorer in 1993 to Joyon’s IDEC SPORT in 2017:

1. 2017 – Francis Joyon / IDEC SPORT (31.5m) – 40:23:30:30
2. 2012 – Loïck Peyron / Banque Populaire V (40m) – 45:13:42:53
3. 2010 – Franck Cammas / Groupama 3 (31.5m) – 48:07:44:52
4. 2005 – Bruno Peyron / Orange II (36.8m) – 50:16:20:04
5. 2004 – Olivier De Kersauson / Geronimo (33.8m) – 63:13:59:46
6. 2002 – Bruno Peyron / Orange (32.8m) – 64:08:37:24
7. 1997 – Olivier De Kersauson / Sport‑Elec (27.3m) – 71:14:22:08
8. 1994 – Peter Blake, Robin Knox‑Johnston / Enza New Zealand (28m) – 74:22:17:22
9. 1993 – Bruno Peyron / Commodore Explorer (28m) – 79:06:15:56

Practical implications for sailing, charter, and marinas

High‑profile record attempts push material science, foiling reliability, and weather‑routing capabilities that eventually trickle down to the recreational and charter sectors. Owners and charter companies follow innovations on multihulls like Sodebo Ultim 3 and IDEC SPORT for lessons on hull shaping, load management, and risk mitigation. For renters, that means safer, faster, and more efficient boats available through platforms that list make, model, and ratings in advance.

What renters and charter operators should watch

• Adoption of foiling and lightweight composites in large charter multihulls.
• Greater demand for experienced captains and crewed charters on technical, high‑performance vessels.
• Increased focus on marina infrastructure, refit yards, and satellite comms for long‑range safety.
• Opportunity for themed experiences and spectator charters around record attempts and delivery legs.

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. We place no limits on a good life, allowing clients to find a vessel that suits their preferences, budget, and taste. Our listings offer comprehensive details—make, model, ratings—and the transparency necessary to pick a unique opportunity to have quality time with your partner, yourself, or a group of friends.

Highlights and travel considerations

The Jules Verne challenge underlines several important and interesting facets: the relentless march of multihull technology, the interplay of weather routing and risk management, and the human factor of endurance and teamwork. Experiencing a new coastal destination is always a multifaceted process where one learns about 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

Plan ahead — forecast and call to action

Option 3 — Start planning your next seaside adventure: the immediate global tourism impact of a single Jules Verne attempt is modest, but its trickle effects on yachting technology and public interest can boost destination demand in niche markets. However, it's still important to us since GetBoat aims to stay updated with all developments and keep pace with the changing world. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!

Summary: the Jules Verne Trophy remains the ultimate measure of non‑stop around‑the‑world speed, a contest defined by relentless logistics—routing, crew endurance, structural integrity—and by fine margins where minutes decide success. From IDEC SPORT and Sodebo Ultim 3 to crews led by Francis Joyon, Thomas Coville, and Alexia Barrier, the race pushes naval architecture and operational practices that affect charters, marinas, and leisure sailors alike. GetBoat.com supports this theme by offering a global, user‑friendly solution for unforgettable touristic experiences—booking or buying yachts, sailboats, or motorboats with transparency and convenience, helping you choose the right vessel for your charter or sale needs. Sail your own course.