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The first solo round-the-world race exclusively for Ultim trimarans demonstrated that such an event was now feasible. Building on this initial experience, the Ultim Class is preparing for the 2028 edition, which will be more than just a repeat of the previous format. Advances in boat design, a new crop of skippers, and the arrival of new projects are shaping a field that is more competitive than in the inaugural race.
The first edition proved the concept of a round-the-world voyage in an Ultim
The first edition kicked off on January 7, 2024, in Brest, with six 32-meter multihulls competing. The goal was to complete a solo, nonstop circumnavigation of the globe, rounding the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, and Cape Horn?a route previously considered particularly demanding for these flying trimarans.
Five of the six competitors had reached Brest. Charles Caudrelier won the race after a little over fifty days at sea, ahead of Thomas Coville and Armel Le Cléac'h. The only competitor to drop out was Tom Laperche, whose trimaran was severely damaged after colliding with an unidentified floating object.
Beyond the rankings, this inaugural edition provided important technical insights. The teams confirmed the Ultim?s ability to sail solo at high speeds for several weeks in the Southern Ocean.
A renewed fleet with several vehicle changes
The lineup expected for January 2028 reflects the changes that have taken place within the Ultim Class over the past two years. Several trimarans have changed hands, while others continue to undergo technical development.
Charles Caudrelier is expected to defend his title aboard Gitana 18, which is currently undergoing testing. Anthony Marchand will continue his campaign on Actual Ultim 4, formerly Gitana 17, the winner of the first edition. Armel Le Cléac'h will continue his campaign with Banque Populaire, while Tom Laperche will return to SVR Lazartigue with the goal of making up for his retirement in 2024.
The case of Sodebo also illustrates this trend. The trimaran will indeed be at the starting line, but it will have a new skipper, as Benjamin Schwartz will take the helm for this edition.
Two new projects have been added to the list of announced participants. Louis Burton will make his debut in the race aboard Armand Thiery, the former Actual Ultim 3. Alexia Barrier, meanwhile, will take the helm of Idec Sport, becoming the first female sailor to compete in this solo round-the-world race.
The first female participant, marking a milestone in the evolution of the Ultim Class
Alexia Barrier?s participation is one of the major new developments in the 2028 edition. The sailor will set sail aboard Idec Sport and become the first woman to compete in this solo round-the-world race reserved for Ultim-class yachts.
An event that is becoming a fixture on the offshore racing calendar
By launching the campaign for the 2028 January race as early as the summer of 2026, the organizers are demonstrating their commitment to establishing this race as a permanent fixture on the Ultim Class?s international calendar.
For the teams, this advance notice facilitates athletic preparation, boat development, and the search for partners. It also allows them to organize qualification programs and test campaigns several months before the start.
After a first edition that demonstrated the feasibility of a solo round-the-world voyage on these giant multihulls, the challenge is now different. The race must prove its ability to attract a larger fleet while maintaining a high level of technical reliability and safety. The arrival of new skippers, advancements in trimaran technology, and the participation of Alexia Barrier are all factors that will give this second edition of the Arkéa Ultim Challenge Brest a different character.
