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On June 16, 2026, at the National Maritime Museum in Paris, Thomas Coville and the six crew members of Sodebo Ultim 3 were officially awarded the Jules Verne Trophy. Behind this ceremony lies a feat rarely seen in the history of ocean racing. By completing a round-the-world voyage in 40 days, 10 hours, 45 minutes, and 50 seconds, the trimaran not only broke the previous record but also became the first flying Ultim to accomplish this feat nonstop.
Why the Jules Verne Trophy Remains the Most Coveted Record
For sailors competing in ocean racing, few trophies carry such significance. Created to honor the fastest nonstop, unsupported circumnavigation of the globe by sailboat, the Jules Verne Trophy represents a unique blend of performance, technical reliability, and human dedication. Unlike a traditional race, no competitors are visible on the horizon. The main opponent remains the stopwatch.
Since the trophy was first awarded, only ten crews have managed to have their names added to the list of winners. This rarity illustrates just how demanding the challenge is. Since 2017, thirteen attempts have failed to beat the time set by IDEC Sport, including four led by the Sodebo team.
A ceremony that marks Sodebo Ultim 3?s place in maritime history
The official presentation of the trophy at the National Maritime Museum holds special symbolic significance. According to tradition, the trophy?designed by artist Tom Shannon?is passed from previous record holders to the new record holders. The hull, suspended in its magnetic field, then remains on public display.
This passing of the torch serves as a reminder that each crew is part of a historical legacy that began more than thirty years ago.
For Thomas Coville and his crewmates, this recognition marks the culmination of a major sporting endeavor. For the world of ocean sailing, it confirms above all that the Jules Verne Trophy remains one of the best testing grounds for pushing the boundaries of offshore sailing, naval architecture, and teamwork at sea.
And as the Ultim series continues to evolve, the question is already being asked: How long will this new benchmark hold up against future attempts around the world?
