Sodebo’s 40-day Jules Verne circumnavigation

Sodebo Ultim 3 completed a non-stop circumnavigation of 28,315 miles, crossing the virtual finish line between Ushant and Lizard Point at 07:46 French time on 25 January 2026 after 40 days, 10 hours and 45 minutes at sea to claim the Jules Verne Trophy.

Race logistics and key performance metrics

The run combined strategic routing through the Atlantic, the Southern Ocean and the Pacific with high-risk, high-reward foiling performance. The team averaged 27.17 knots over the full distance, with sustained stretches above 30 knots and a peak campaign average of 29.9 knots for long sectors. The circumnavigation shaved 12 hours 44 minutes off the previous IDEC Sport benchmark from 2017.

Passage milestones and pacing

Sodebo crossed the Equator in 4 days 4 hours, reached the Cape of Good Hope in just under 11 days, and rounded Cape Leeuwin in 17 days 1 hour, having maintained a 32.1-knot average up to that point. The Pacific crossing took 7 days 12 hours 12 minutes, a new benchmark that trimmed roughly three hours from the fastest recorded Pacific leg (pending official validation).

Operational challenges faced

• Weather routing: The position of the St Helena High forced extra mileage in the South Atlantic.
• Ice risk mitigation: Constant watch for rogue ice in the Southern Ocean altered straight-line speed plans.
• Severe storm encounter: Storm Ingrid in the Bay of Biscay compelled a westerly detour and reduction of speed to preserve structural integrity.
• Damage control: Loss of a rudder casing on the starboard side required immediate trim and handling adaptations, but did not end the attempt.

Who sailed and how the team operated

The campaign was helmed by Thomas Coville, supported by a rotating watch of skilled ocean racers: Benjamin Schwartz, Frédéric Denis, Pierre Leboucher, Léonard Legrand, Guillaume Pirouelle and Nicolas Troussel. Watch plans, sail inventory choices and foiling angle management were decisive tactical levers. The Ultim platform’s fully foiling configuration delivers enormous performance but increases mechanical and structural stress, meaning logistics teams, shore-based engineers and spares planning were essential to success.

Crew roles and fatigue management

Sleep management, nutrition logistics and rapid maintenance windows were integrated into a strict race program: short high-intensity rest periods for helms and trimmers, consolidated six-hour maintenance blocks for composite and foil checks, and contingency protocols for emergency sail changes. These operational details mirror best practices in commercial offshore logistics and underscore how intricate supply-chain thinking applies even in a single-vessel record bid.

Technical significance and legacy

This is the first time an Ultim has completed a non-stop circumnavigation and it validates advances in foiling multihull design, materials engineering and integrated systems monitoring. The performance data — long-duration foil loads, control system responses in 40-50 knot wind and structural margins after extended high-speed pounding — will be valuable to naval architects and to owners of high-performance charter yachts who prioritize both speed and reliability.

Implications for coastal tourism and boat rentals

High-profile records like this raise public attention toward modern offshore sailing and often translate to higher demand for experiential maritime tourism. Charter operators, marinas and coastal destinations can expect increased interest from travelers wanting to experience similar speeds or simply to sample life at sea. For the private charter market, innovations demonstrated aboard Sodebo Ultim 3 may influence future design preferences and safety standards for performance-oriented yachts and day-sailing options.

Notable records and benchmarks

• Overall Jules Verne Trophy: 40d 10h 45m
• Ushant–Equator: 4d 4h (new benchmark)
• Ushant–Pacific crossing: 7d 12h 12m (subject to validation)
• Benchmark times at the Great Capes (Good Hope, Leeuwin, Horn)

GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, as the team truly 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 a vessel that suits their preferences, budget, and taste.

How record attempts affect charter choices

After headline-making performances, potential charterers often seek either high-adrenaline experiences or classic, comfortable cruising options to contrast with elite racing. Platforms that provide clear listings, transparent vessel specifications, and verified ratings can bridge that gap: clients compare make, model and captain experience before booking, ensuring suitable matches for groups seeking fishing, island-hopping, or relaxed daysailing.

Highlights and travel note

The Sodebo circumnavigation highlights the edge of modern offshore technology, the human factors that define success, and the ripple effects on coastal economies and yachting culture. 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

Forecasting the tourism impact: this record will likely stimulate niche interest rather than drastically alter global travel flows — elite offshore achievements inspire specialized trips and media attention, but the direct macroeconomic effect is modest. However, it remains relevant to customers and operators as GetBoat aims to stay abreast of developments and keep pace with the changing world. If you are planning your next trip to the seaside, consider the convenience and reliability of GetBoat.

In summary, Sodebo Ultim 3’s 40d 10h 45m Jules Verne victory demonstrates the blend of cutting-edge design, precise logistics and skilled crew execution necessary for record-breaking circumnavigations. The campaign set multiple passage benchmarks, endured storm-driven damage control and emphasized the operational backbone behind foiling performance. For sailors and charterers alike, the event underscores renewed interest in yachts, charter experiences, and the broader yachting ecosystem. GetBoat.com supports this theme by offering a global, user-friendly way to book or buy boats, yachts and sailboats with transparency and convenience, helping travellers find the right vessel for fishing trips, island-hopping, or full-day adventures — Start your adventure today.