A round-the-world race "âeuros¯Ã l'enversâeuros¯": a well-known technical challenge, but never accomplished in Ultim
Sailing from east to west, against the current of the prevailing weather systems, represents a far greater physical and logistical challenge than a conventional round-the-world voyage through the southern seas. This trajectory means sailing against the trade winds and rounding the three capes âeuros Bonne-Espérance, Leeuwin and Horn âeuros on the wrong side of the wind.
The record for this solo circumnavigation has been held by Jean-Luc Van Den Heede since 2004. He covered the 26âuros¯000 nautical miles in 122 days, aboard the monohull Adrien a solid aluminum unit. No sailor has managed to complete this course on a multihull, a type of platform that is far more demanding in terms of reliability in the hostile southern seas.
The choice of ex-Sodebo Ultim to try something new
For this project, Guirec Soudée will set sail aboard the former Sodeb'O Ultim a 32-meter trimaran by VPLP, upgraded in 2014. This boat has already proved its robustness on several round-the-world voyages. She won the crewed Jules Verne with Olivier de Kersauzon in 2003, before setting the fastest time, this time solo, with Thomas Coville in 2016. More recently, he raced the Arkéa Ultim Challenge with Eric Peron. While this Ultim is not up to the level of more recent prototypes, its beam, voluminous floats and sheltered cockpit make it a platform well-suited to long single-handed voyages.
The project is not based on a complete overhaul of the trimaran, but on an upgrade consistent with the requirements of an east-west circumnavigation, with work on the structure, sails, system reliability and autonomous safety procedures.
MACSF support and launch schedule
The financing of the project relies on the involvement of MACSF, which is supporting Guirec Soudée in the conversion of the boat and the logistical organization. The record attempt is scheduled for autumn 2025. The weather window at the start should allow for a rapid crossing of the equator, followed by a descent to the South Atlantic in manageable conditions.
This partnership with MACSF is a logical continuation for Guirec Soudée, who was already supported by the mutual insurance company during the last Vendée Globe. He now benefits from a stable structure to manage an ambitious sailing program over the next two years.
A closely watched attempt in ocean racing circles
Few skippers have dared to tackle this demanding course, and many have lost their feathers. Guirec Soudée is pursuing an atypical trajectory in the ocean racing landscape. Having sailed in a polar sailboat with his hen Monique, then the Vendée Globe, which he completed in 2025 for his first participation, he is now focusing on a project that is radically different from the established circuits. This upside-down circumnavigation of the globe on a multihull, with its unprecedented format, is in line with the continuity of a sailor who has always chosen singular paths, outside the traditional patterns of performance. By taking on such a challenge, he confirms his desire to explore the technical and human limits of solo racing.
