A modern epic in the footsteps of Ulysses
The Odyssée ULTIM 2026 promises to be a spectacular regatta in the heart of the Mediterranean. Crewed on 32-meter multihulls, participants will leave the Vauban port in Antibes on May 3 for a journey of around two thousand nautical miles. The course will take them to the Greek coast, with Olympia as their goal, before returning to their home port.
Inspired by Homer's epic, this race combines technological innovation and sailing excellence. It will test helming, weather management and maneuvering skills on high-performance boats.
Antibes, scene of an unprecedented confrontation between flying giants
For the first time, the Mediterranean becomes the battleground for the five latest-generation ULTIM trimarans. Capable of "flying" over the water at speeds in excess of 40 knots, these spectacular yachts will set sail from one of the oldest ports on the southern coast, right next to the historic center.
The event will enable visitors to get up close to these exceptional boats and their skippers, in a race village open to the public for twelve days. Timed runs, organized in advance of the main race, will offer a first glimpse of the boats' performance off the ramparts.
Navigating the Mediterranean: instability, tactics and increased vigilance
The Mediterranean may seem more enclosed than the big oceans, but it's no stranger to skippers. The Mediterranean is renowned for its rapid wind shifts, tricky calms and unstable weather patterns. This instability makes routine impossible and demands constant adaptation.
This is why the format of the Odyssée ULTIM is based on crewed sailing, with every maneuver on these maxi-trimarans requiring coordination, strength and anticipation. Depending on the weather conditions encountered, crews may consider a detour via Malta, or even a detour to the Balearic Islands.
A race supported by major ocean racing figures
The commitment of the big names in the sport testifies to the interest aroused by this event. Armel Le Cléac'h (Banque Populaire XI), Charles Caudrelier (Edmond de Rothschild), Thomas Coville (Sodebo), Anthony Marchand (Actual) and Tom Laperche (SVR-Lazartigue) will be taking part in this first edition. All hail the demanding and beautiful Mediterranean waters.
The race will be directed by Francis Le Goff, known for his ability to adapt courses to specific weather conditions, with the only formal constraint being to reach Olympia. This strategic choice leaves plenty of scope for route design, promising an unpredictable competition.
An event serving the public and local communities
In addition to the competition, the Odyssée ULTIM aims to promote the Port Vauban and put Antibes on the map of international sailing events. The race village will feature events, educational workshops, concerts and professional meetings, combining yachting, culture and innovation.
The event enjoys the active support of the SUD region and the town of Antibes, who intend to make this race a driving force for territorial attractiveness and economic influence. The ULTIM class, for its part, sees this as a unique opportunity to democratize access to these very high-level yachts.
By making the Mediterranean their new arena, the ULTIMs are taking on an unprecedented challenge: combining extreme speed and tactical navigation in an unstable environment. The Odyssée ULTIM is already a must-watch event for ocean racing enthusiasts. It remains to be seen whether this first edition will inaugurate a new cycle for the class, now ready to explore horizons beyond the Atlantic.
