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It took three attempts to achieve it. By setting a new reference time in the Jules Verne Trophy, Sodebo Ultim 3 has set a new benchmark for crewed round-the-world speed. But beyond the final figure, this attempt sheds light on several key issues in modern ocean racing, from the express crossing of the equator to an Ultim's ability to withstand a North Atlantic storm.
A fully exploited weather window
Sodebo Ultim 3 set off from Ushant on December 15, 2025, after just three days on stand-by. The choice was a collective one, based on a weather window deemed too favorable to ignore. The boat is emerging from a short but focused refit, undertaken after the Transat Café L'Or, with particular attention paid to the port foil, identified as a point of vigilance.
The descent of the North Atlantic quickly confirms the trimaran's potential. The crossing of the equator, on December 20, 2025, came after 4 days, 4 hours and 2 minutes at sea. At this stage, the gap with IDEC Sport's reference time was almost a day and a half. A lead that is already forcing a change in attitude on board, one of long-term management.
A trajectory in the demanding South of France
In the South Atlantic, the crew opted for a very westerly route along the Brazilian coast. The Cape of Good Hope was rounded on December 26, 2025, nearly 48 hours ahead of schedule and more than 1,300 miles in the bag. But the rest of the journey was less straightforward.
Unlike IDEC Sport's course in 2017, the Indian Ocean imposes a more southerly trajectory. Sodebo Ultim 3 descends to the south, crosses growler zones and climbs north of the Kerguelens. This route lengthens the distance and increases the number of maneuvers, but preserves the boat. Cape Leeuwin was rounded on January 1, 2026, still 5 hours ahead of schedule, a sign that the course/speed compromise remained coherent.
The Pacific, a land of records
After Tasmania, the crew embarked on a long port tack beyond 60 degrees South. Temperatures are dropping, seas are getting heavier and vigilance is increasing. On board, Benjamin Schwartz is in charge of navigation, supported ashore by Philippe Legros, Simon Fischer and meteorologist Chris Bedford.
Cape Horn was rounded on January 11, 2026, after 26 days, 4 hours and 46 minutes at sea. For six out of seven sailors, it was a first. At the same time, Sodebo Ultim 3 sets a new Pacific crossing record, between Tasmania and Cape Horn, in 7 days, 12 hours and 12 minutes. An important benchmark, achieved despite a greater distance covered than IDEC Sport.
The return to the North, between breakage and weather arbitration
The South Atlantic offers no respite. The exit from the St. Helena high complicates the trajectory and forces us to navigate on the edge of unstable weather systems. Added to this was the breaking of the tack on J0, which did not immediately affect the boat's progress.
The return to the equator on January 19, 2026 was just over 20 hours ahead of the 2017 record. But the gap remains fragile. The end of the course promises to be tense, with a succession of low-pressure systems over the North Atlantic.
Ingrid and the boys
After the Azores anticyclone, Sodebo Ultim 3 has to deal with storm Ingrid. Gusts in excess of 50 knots, waves approaching 10 metres, often on the beam - a tricky angle for a multihull of this size. The crew doesn't have the necessary lead to get around the system, so they have to keep their heads down.
On shore, the boat is continuously monitored. The trimaran escaped with limited damage, including the loss of the starboard rudder sleeve. Enough to continue towards Ushant. At 7:46 a.m. on January 25, 2026, the virtual line was crossed between Ushant and Lizard Point.
