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Rounding Cape Horn always marks a turning point in a round-the-world sail. For Sodebo Ultim 3, this cape is not only symbolic. It validates a fast trajectory in the Pacific, a partial record, and a tangible lead over the Jules Verne Trophy holder.
Cape Horn, but no deliverance yet
At 01:47 on January 11, 2026, French time, Sodebo Ultim 3 left the Horn Rock to port. For Thomas Coville, it was the 12th e (!) passage. For the rest of the crew, a first entry into the circle of Cape Horners.
In the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the trimaran sailed in heavy conditions, with heavy seas, steady winds, low temperatures and constant vigilance against drifting ice. These constraints weighed on the trajectory, sometimes further south or east than the direct route, lengthening the distance covered by almost 10% compared with Idec.
And yet, the passage time remains favorable. 26 days, 4 hours and 46 minutes from Ushant, 10 hours and 59 minutes ahead of IDEC Sport's time in 2017.
The Pacific record, more an indicator than a target
Between Tasmania and Cape Horn, Sodebo Ultim 3 covered the Pacific in 7 days, 12 hours and 12 minutes. This time improves on the reference set by François Gabart in 2017.
This partial record says a lot about the pace set in the south. It shows the boat's ability to maintain high averages despite cross seas and weather systems that are sometimes poorly positioned. On board, however, no one is mistaken. This kind of record offers no guarantee of what's to come.
As the crew regularly reminds us, the only thing that counts is the time in Ushant. Intermediate times are useful benchmarks for strategy and morale, but they are no protection against a badly negotiated front or damage in the Atlantic.
A fast boat, but at the cost of extra miles
Since the start, Sodebo Ultim 3 has covered almost 19,800 miles. That's around 1,450 miles further than IDEC Sport over the same stretch in 2017.
This figure sheds light on the tactical choices made in the south. To avoid the ice and stay in wind conditions that an Ultim could use, the crew agreed to lengthen the route. The key is speed. Make more distance, but do it quickly, without breaking the boat.
This fine management of the load, between pressure on the platform and preservation of the equipment, partly explains the consistency observed from the equator to the Horn. In the words of the team, the trimaran is always at one hundred percent of her potential.
The South Atlantic, a zone of doubt
Crossing the Horn is not the end of the difficulties. Quite the contrary, in fact. The climb back up the South Atlantic is often the scene of complex scenarios, with successive depressions, tricky transitions and challenging route choices.
As we rounded Cape Horn, several systems were forecast off Argentina and Uruguay. A more easterly, downwind route seems conceivable, but it requires composure and constant responsiveness.
The routers confirm this. This section is probably the most difficult of the attempt. Less cold, with no ice, but trapping, with narrow weather windows and little margin for error for a multihull of this size launched at high speed.
The finish line at Ushant remains the only horizon. To beat the Jules Verne Trophy record, it will be necessary to cross the line before January 25, 2026 at 8:31 pm. Until then, the Atlantic will still have its say.
