French sailor Thomas Coville and his six-man crew made history by completing a circumnavigation of the globe in just 40 days, 10 hours, 45 minutes, and 50 seconds. Their journey aboard the Sodebo Ultim 3 concluded on January 26, 2026, when they crossed the finish line off the coast of the French island of Ouessant, securing the prestigious Jules Verne Trophy and breaking the previous record set by fellow Frenchman Francis Joyon in 2017 by half a day.
The initial stages of the voyage proved relatively smooth, with the team maintaining a lead after successfully rounding South America. However, they faced a formidable challenge in the Bay of Biscay when Storm Ingrid struck. With winds reaching up to 100 km/h and waves towering over 10 metres, the crew experienced significant difficulties, including damage to the starboard rudder casing.
Despite these setbacks, Coville and his team adapted their strategy and pressed on. “You can lose everything in an instant,” Coville stated in an interview with BFMTV, reflecting on the storm’s potential impact. “This storm could have changed everything, and that’s also what’s magical about our profession. You have to be able to put everything on the line with a single move.”
Arriving back in Brest, Coville expressed immense relief and joy. “It’s a huge relief to have the boat crossing the line at 40 knots (approximately 74 km/h). The feeling we’re experiencing is indescribable,” he told a crowd of supporters, including his wife and two children.
The Jules Verne Trophy is renowned in the sailing world, inspired by Jules Verne’s novel about Phileas Fogg. Established to reward the first yacht to sail around the world in under 80 days, it has seen numerous record attempts dominated by French teams aboard high-speed multihulls. The initial record of 79 days, 6 hours, and 15 minutes was set by Bruno Peyron in 1993–94.
During their latest voyage, Coville’s team averaged an impressive 54 km/h over the entire distance of 45,568 kilometres. They also broke two intermediate records along the way, showcasing their exceptional performance. In comparison, Joyon’s earlier attempt involved a journey of 42,505 kilometres at an average speed of 48 km/h.
Coville highlighted the crew’s remarkable teamwork, referring to them as “the magnificent seven” who operated what he described as a “flying boat.” The journey reaffirmed their capability to navigate unpredictable challenges in a bid for speed and efficiency.
Reflecting on their achievement, Coville acknowledged that the joy of crossing the finish line is fleeting. “The real joy comes when you’re reunited with everyone, when you feel that you’ve truly achieved something,” he remarked, emphasizing the emotional reward of the experience.
The Sodebo Ultim 3, launched in 2019, was specifically designed to become the fastest vessel to sail around the globe. After several unsuccessful attempts over six years, the crew’s successful record marks a significant milestone in the history of the Jules Verne Trophy, now achieving its tenth successful circumnavigation.
As the sailing community celebrates this extraordinary accomplishment, Coville and his crew have undoubtedly etched their names in maritime history.
