French Skipper Breaks Round-the-World Sailing Record
The Facts
- French skipper Thomas Coville and his six crew members completed a non-stop round-the-world voyage in 40 days, 10 hours, 45 minutes and 50 seconds aboard the trimaran Sodebo Ultim 3, winning the Jules Verne Trophy on Sunday.
- The crew beat the previous Jules Verne Trophy record, set in 2017 by Francis Joyon aboard Idec Sport, by 12 hours and 44 minutes. Joyon's record time was 40 days, 23 hours, 30 minutes and 30 seconds.
- Coville and his crew covered 45,568 kilometers at an average speed of 29.17 knots, equivalent to 54 kilometers per hour. The crew set new benchmark times at Cape Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin and Cape Horn during their voyage.
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The Spin
Narrative A
Coville's record-shattering Jules Verne Trophy victory represents the pinnacle of offshore sailing achievement, with the crew's remarkable seamanship and technological mastery delivering a historic 40-day circumnavigation that seemed impossible just years ago. The team's ability to set benchmark times at every cape while maintaining an average speed of 29.17 knots demonstrates that foiling multihulls has ushered in a revolutionary new era of ocean racing.
Narrative B
Storm Ingrid nearly destroyed Coville's record attempt in the final stretch, with 100 km/h winds and 10-meter waves damaging critical rudder equipment and forcing desperate course changes that could have ended everything. While the accomplishment was remarkable, it prompts reflection on whether such expeditions justify the risks involved.
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