/ 
After a winter marked by a victorious Jules Verne, Team Sodebo Voile is organizing its 2026 season around two boats, with a dual sporting objective on the Ultim and Ocean Fifty circuits.
Two trimarans on separate programs
The Vendée-based team is lining up two units on complementary circuits. On the one hand, Sodebo Ultim 3 continues to develop with Thomas Coville. On the other, a 15-meter Ocean Fifty, Sodebo Fifty, is entrusted to Léonard Legrand, who takes on the role of skipper. This organization enables the team to be present in both crewed and solo races.
An Ocean Fifty back in the water after refit
The Sodebo Fifty trimaran has undergone a complete overhaul. After five months of work, the boat is due to be relaunched in Lorient on March 29, 2026. The program begins with two Ocean Fifty Grand Prix races, with crewed coastal courses and a series of maneuvers
- Sainte Maxime from April 29 to May 2, 2026
- Ajaccio from May 6 to 9, 2026
A move towards solo racing
After these initial confrontations, the program evolved. Léonard will then move on to solo races, with the Drheam Cup between Cherbourg and Lorient from July 9 to 18, 2026, followed by the 24H Ultim in September.
The season concludes with the Route du Rhum between Saint Malo and Pointe à Pitre, scheduled to start on November 1, 2026.
"Sodebo Fifty has been modified in several respects, and we need to make sure that everything works. The Grand Prix will allow us to get to grips with this, with an experienced crew to oversee this phase." says Léonard.
Ultim under technical development before summer
The Sodebo Ultim 3 trimaran will remain under construction until the end of June 2026, with work focusing on structural and hydrodynamic upgrades, including new foils, rudders and a modified daggerboard. The aim is to improve flight phases and overall performance. Once back in the water, Thomas Coville will begin single-handed preparation, with the same series of races as Ocean Fifty.
Preparation focused on the Route du Rhum
The transatlantic race remains the main objective of the season. Thomas will be taking part in his eighth race, with experience built up since 1998. Already a winner in the IMOCA class on Aquitaine Innovations, he is aiming for a new performance in the Ultim class.
"We've improved the boat over the winter and we're continuing to develop it. The Route du Rhum remains a major objective, with collective work on performance and preparation." explains Thomas Coville.
Team organization around two projects
The team's operations are based on shared skills. Thomas Coville accompanies Léonard Legrand on the first Ocean Fifty races, while the technical team works on both boats. The performance and routing unit is also involved in race preparation.
The 2026 season is thus structured around a dense calendar, with a gradual build-up to the Route du Rhum.
