Coville and Sodebo 3 set new West‑Equatorian record
Alexandra
Crossing the equator at 01:03:30 (French time) after 4 days, 4 hours, 2 minutes and 25 seconds, the Ultim trimaran Sodebo 3 established a new outright West‑Equatorian benchmark during its Jules Verne Trophy attempt, shaving nearly 16 hours off the previous reference and altering tactical waypoints used by routing teams for long‑distance ocean passage planning.
Record details and immediate context
The offshore campaign led by skipper Thomas Coville — supported by Benjamin Schwartz, Frédéric Denis, Pierre Leboucher, Léonard Legrand, Guillaume Pirouelle and Nicolas Troussel — launched its timed circuit on 15 December 2025 and, by day five and 15 hours, reported being 681 nm ahead of prior record pace. The equator crossing time represents the fastest West‑to‑Equator segment ever logged in the Jules Verne Trophy context, lowering the Spindrift 2 2019 reference by 15 hours and 54 minutes.
The new segment time also places Sodebo 3 a full 1 day, 14 hours and 56 minutes ahead of the comparable milestone from Francis Joyon’s IDEC Sport run in 2017 (the IDEC Sport benchmark for the full circuit remains 40 days 23 hours 30 minutes 30 seconds).
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Quick timeline
- Start: 15 December 2025
- Equator crossing (FR time): Saturday at 01:03:30
- West‑Equatorian time: 4d 4h 2m 25s
- Margin vs. Spindrift 2 (2019): −15h 54m
- Margin vs. IDEC Sport (2017 pace): −1d 14h 56m
How routing, logistics and vessel capability combined
Long‑distance ocean records are a product of precise weather routing, robust logistics onshore and the platform’s structural capability. For the Sodebo 3 team, the operational plan focused on maintaining optimal VMG (velocity made good) toward the Cape of Good Hope while exploiting transient low‑pressure windows in the South Atlantic and minimizing adverse upwind phases in the Intertropical Convergence Zone.
Key logistics elements that enabled the record included: optimized pre‑start provisioning to reduce time in port, redundant control systems to shorten at‑sea repairs, concise crew rotation protocols for sustained high‑intensity sail handling, and targeted routing updates delivered at predictable intervals. These factors are identical in principle to how professional charter operations and marinas plan maintenance windows, provisioning runs and crew handovers for high‑value yachts and superyachts.
Record comparison table
| Vessel | Segment | Time | Year | Gap vs. Sodebo 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodebo 3 (Ultim) | West‑Equatorian | 4d 4h 2m 25s | 2025 | — |
| Spindrift 2 | West‑Equatorian (ref) | ~4d 20h | 2019 | +15h 54m |
| IDEC Sport (Joyon) | Record pace benchmark | 40d 23h 30m 30s (full circuit) | 2017 | +1d 14h 56m (segment pace comparison) |
Crew, platform and operational specifics
The Ultim class trimaran Sodebo 3 is built to sustain very high average speeds in trades and through the ITCZ. Crews on such platforms must balance aggressive sail plans with scheduled maintenance checks; every minute saved in routine adjustments translates into nautical miles over the multi‑week circuit. The Sodebo 3 campaign demonstrates the interplay of naval architecture, crew resource management, and tactical meteorology.
While the Jules Verne Trophy is a pure offshore speed challenge, lessons from these attempts filter into recreational and commercial operations: crewed charter operators take cues on fatigue management and provisioning cadence; marinas serving ocean‑going yachts refine fueling, spare‑part logistics, and quick‑turn services; and yacht brokers observe how demand for high‑performance multihulls evolves after headline results.
Operational lessons for charter operators and sailors
- Proactive provisioning: Stock spares and consumables before a charter or delivery to avoid costly diversion.
- Scheduled hands‑on maintenance: Routine checks at predetermined legs reduce unscheduled downtime.
- Weather‑aware routing: Integrate high‑resolution ensemble forecasts for optimal passage planning.
- Crew ergonomics: Rotate rest and watch schedules to sustain peak performance for extended passages.
- Transparent listings: Provide charter clients with clear make, model and skipper credentials to set expectations.
Why the result matters to sailing, charters and coastal tourism
High‑profile records like this increase visibility for sailing and yachting worldwide and can shift interest toward multihull experiences—from day sails on fast catamarans to premium charters on performance trimarans. Charter firms, marinas and training schools may see increased inquiries for high‑speed sailing experiences, captained delivery passages, or performance clinics tailored to adventurous clients.
GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, because the platform understands what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean. The service values freedom, energy and the ability to choose your own course, placing no limits on a good life and helping clients find vessels that match preferences, budgets and tastes.
Impact forecast and planning advice
The Sodebo 3 achievement is likely to produce modest but tangible ripples across global tourism and yachting: localized spikes in demand for performance charters in key marinas, renewed interest in training and captain services, and marketing opportunities for ports that support fast offshore campaigns. Globally, the event is not disruptive to mass tourism, but it does shift the attention of high‑value clientele and enthusiasts toward specialized experiences. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!
The highlights of this record include the exceptional margin over previous references, the operational efficiency of the Sodebo 3 team, and the tactical intelligence shown in equator timing. Experiencing a new location is 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
In summary, Sodebo 3’s West‑Equatorian record represents a convergence of high‑performance naval engineering, precise logistical planning and expert meteorological routing. For sailors, charter companies and marinas, the takeaway is clear: preparation, routing intelligence and crew management deliver measurable gains on long passages. Whether you seek a yacht charter, a captained delivery, or a leisurely sail to discover clearwater beaches, bays and marinas, platforms that provide transparency of make, model, ratings and service options simplify the choice. The ocean rewards planning—so plot your course, choose the right vessel and enjoy the sea, whether you’re fishing off a gulf, sailing a lake, or chartering a superyacht for a sunseeker‑style escape.
