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Cape Horn remains one of the major milestones in a round-the-world sail. At the start of this year, two Ultim crews are approaching it with very different realities: Sodebo Ultim 3 is sailing at a record pace, while Idec Sport is moving forward with determination, far from the stopwatch.
Sodebo: speed and Pacific record in sight
Despite a course almost 1,400 miles longer than Idec's in 2017, Sodebo retains the advantage. According to the routing cell's announcements on the online interface, the trimaran skippered by Thomas Coville should round Cape Horn early afternoon on Saturday, January 10, 2026, some 24 hours ahead of the reference time (26 d 15 h). This passage in less than 26 days from Ushant would mark a new milestone on the Jules Verne Trophy route.
The figures reflect this performance: 31.7 knots on average over the Ouessant-Tasmania section, compared with 28.5 knots for Idec in 2017. But it wasnâ??t all plain sailing. The route was strewn with gybes âeuros over 35 âeuros, compared with a single tack for Joyon at the time. Between uncooperative weather, icebergs further north and constant adjustments, the crew multiplied maneuvers while maintaining a high speed.
Idéc Sport: out of the record books but not out of the race
Aboard Idec Sport, the context is quite different. Alexia Barrier and her 100% all-female crew are continuing their round-the-world voyage with a different objective: to set a first record for an all-female team. The trimaran has not been in the running for the record for several weeks, due to a cumulative weather delay and hook damage which limits the optimal use of the mainsail. While this damage is less penalizing in the southern seas, it will be all the more so in the climb back up the Atlantic, where winds are lighter.
Nearly 4,800 miles behind the reference time, Idec Sport should reach Cape Horn today, on its 38th day at sea. Another story is being written: one of perseverance, teamwork and a course that has never before been completed by a female crew.
For Sodebo, the stakes are clear: maintain their lead and aim for Brest before the 40-day mark. For Idec Sport, the aim is to come full circle, whatever the timeframe.
