Historical Record! Sodebo Ultim 3 Wins The Jules Verne Trophy In An Epic Tour Of The World

Historical Record! Sodebo Ultim 3 Conquers the Jules Verne Trophy in an Epic Tour of the World

The French trimaran shatters the previous mark and is crowned the maximum expression of ocean sailing.

The roar of victory echoed across the waters of the North Atlantic this Sunday morning, January 25. The Sodebo Ultim 3, a prodigy of naval engineering, crossed the finish line, marked between Ushant and Lizard Point, at 7 hours, 46 minutes and 55 seconds. With this milestone, the colossal trimaran has not only completed a non-stop circumnavigation of the world, but has shattered the previous record in almost 13 hours, inscribing its name in gold letters in the history of sailing and winning the prestigious Jules Verne Trophy.

The feat of the Sodebo Ultim 3 translates into a stratospheric time of 40 days, 10 hours, 45 minutes and 50 seconds. This brand is not just a number; It is a demonstration of the endurance, audacity and expertise of a crew that has challenged the limits of what is possible in ocean navigation. The trophy, one of the most coveted and demanding awards in nautical sports, now has a brand new owner.

The brand that now remains in the annals was the one established in 2017 by IDEC Sport, which included the experienced Catalan sailor Álex Pella in its ranks. That record stood at 40 days, 23 hours, 30 minutes and 30 seconds. The difference, although it may seem minimal in the vastness of the ocean, represents a substantial improvement and a qualitative leap in the speed and efficiency of highly competitive boats.

The initial objective of the French team was ambitious: to break the psychological barrier of 40 days. For much of the journey, this dream was within reach. However, the final stretch through the North Atlantic became a real struggle with nature, a battle against the elements that tested the resistance of the ship and the determination of its crew.

Storm Ingrid, a highly intense meteorological phenomenon, hit the Sodebo Ultim 3 with fury. There were gusts of wind that exceeded 50 knots and waves that reached heights close to 10 meters. These conditions, especially dangerous for multihulls, put the boat in check at a critical moment in the race.

With no room to seek shelter and with an advantage that seemed insufficient, Thomas Coville and his crew found themselves immersed in three days of hellish navigation. They faced the most extreme conditions the boat had ever experienced, with the specter of failure lurking just miles from glory. Every moment was a calculated risk, every decision crucial.

The Jules Verne Trophy has witnessed an astonishing evolution since its conception. In 1993, the Commodore Explorer trimaran set the first official record with a time of 79 days, 6 hours and 15 minutes, sailing at an average of 14.39 knots. The distance traveled by the Sodebo Ultim 3 is 28,315 nautical miles (52,440 km), reaching an average speed of 29.17 knots, more than double that pioneer's record.

This triumph comes after six years of dedication and perseverance. The French project had suffered frustrated attempts in 2020 and 2024, marked by damage suffered in the Indian Ocean. However, the team's tenacity has prevailed. The departure took place on December 15, 2025, taking advantage of an optimal weather window, and the arrival materialized when crossing the imaginary line that joins the Créac'h lighthouse and the Lizard Point lighthouse.

The feat bears the unmistakable signature of Thomas Coville, a captain experienced in a thousand oceanic battles. He is accompanied on this adventure by Benjamin Schwartz, Frédéric Denis, Pierre Leboucher, Léonard Legrand, Guillaume Pirouelle and Nicolas Troussel. Together, they have overcome icebergs, Antarctic storms and Atlantic storms in a trophy that is characterized by its flexibility: without a crew limit, without a fixed departure date and with total freedom in choosing the boat. A true test of human skill and resistance against the elements.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Jules Verne Trophy and Sodebo Ultim 3:

What is the Jules Verne Trophy?

It is an ocean sailing challenge that consists of sailing around the world without stops or assistance in the shortest time possible.

Who held the previous record?

The IDEC Sport, with Álex Pella on board, held the previous record with a time of 40 days, 23 hours, 30 minutes and 30 seconds.

How long did it take the Sodebo Ultim 3 to complete the trip around the world?

The Sodebo Ultim 3 completed the circumnavigation in 40 days, 10 hours, 45 minutes and 50 seconds.

How far has the Sodebo Ultim 3 traveled?

It has traveled 28,315 nautical miles (52,440 km).

What has been the average speed of the Sodebo Ultim 3?

The average speed was 29.17 knots.

When was the first official Jules Verne Trophy record set?

The first official record was set in 1993 by the Commodore Explorer trimaran.

What extreme weather conditions did the Sodebo Ultim 3 face?

They faced wind gusts exceeding 50 knots and waves close to 10 meters due to Storm Ingrid.

How many crew members are part of the Sodebo Ultim 3?

The crew is made up of seven people: Thomas Coville, Benjamin Schwartz, Frédéric Denis, Pierre Leboucher, Léonard Legrand, Guillaume Pirouelle and Nicolas Troussel.

What does “without stops or assistance” mean?

It means that the ship cannot stop at any port or receive outside help during the entire voyage.

Why is the Jules Verne Trophy such a special challenge?

It is a challenge that combines technology, human resistance, strategy and the ability to overcome the most adverse conditions that the ocean offers.

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