Brest, France – Guirec Soudée, 34, is on the verge of completing a remarkable feat of endurance and seamanship: a solo, reverse circumnavigation of the globe. The Breton sailor is expected to arrive back in Brest, in the Finistère region of France, this Saturday after 94 days at sea aboard the multihull “MACSF.” Soudée’s journey, undertaken against prevailing winds and currents, represents a unique challenge in the world of sailing.
Soudée departed Brest on December 23, 2025, embarking on a nearly 40,000 nautical mile voyage. This isn’t simply a trip around the world; it’s a journey deliberately plotted in the opposite direction of the traditional Vendée Globe race, making it significantly more demanding. The route requires navigating against the dominant weather systems, testing both the vessel and the sailor to their limits.
A Unique Challenge in Ocean Racing
The concept of sailing against the prevailing winds and currents is a core element of what makes Soudée’s voyage so exceptional. Most circumnavigations accept advantage of the trade winds and ocean currents to shorten journey times. Soudée’s decision to sail against these forces adds considerable complexity and risk. The MACSF, an Ultim-class multihull, was chosen for its speed and stability, crucial attributes for tackling such a demanding route. The Ultim class represents the cutting edge of multihull technology, designed for maximum performance in offshore racing.
This voyage isn’t Soudée’s first significant undertaking. Prior to this, he completed a transatlantic crossing with YouTuber Inoxtag in 2025, a journey that garnered over 3 million views on YouTube, showcasing the realities of life at sea. That experience served as a valuable warm-up for the solo circumnavigation. The partnership with Inoxtag too highlighted Soudée’s ability to connect with a wider audience, bringing the world of sailing to a fresh generation of fans.
MACSF’s Commitment to Offshore Sailing
The project is supported by the MACSF, a French insurance company with a strong history of involvement in offshore sailing. The MACSF’s commitment to the sport is particularly notable given the current transition within their IMOCA program. After participating in the 2024-2025 Vendée Globe with Isabelle Joschke and announcing Corentin Horeau as the future skipper, the MACSF found themselves with a temporary gap in their IMOCA racing schedule. Supporting Soudée’s reverse circumnavigation allowed them to maintain a strong presence in the world of ocean racing.
The decision to back Soudée’s project reflects a desire to continue the momentum generated by their previous Vendée Globe campaign. The new IMOCA vessel isn’t scheduled for delivery until early 2026, creating an opportunity to support an unconventional and ambitious endeavor. This strategic move demonstrates the MACSF’s willingness to embrace innovation and support challenging projects within the sailing community.
What’s Next for Guirec Soudée?
As Soudée approaches Brest, anticipation is building for his return. The sailor will be reunited with his family and supporters after nearly three months alone at sea. While details of his immediate plans haven’t been released, his successful completion of this extraordinary voyage will undoubtedly cement his place among the leading figures in modern ocean racing. The journey has been closely followed by fans online, with updates shared via Instagram and Facebook.
The arrival in Brest marks not just the end of a voyage, but the culmination of years of planning and preparation. Soudée’s achievement is a testament to his skill, determination, and the enduring appeal of solo ocean sailing. The completion of this reverse circumnavigation will be a significant moment for the sailing world, inspiring future generations of adventurers to push the boundaries of what’s possible at sea.
Soudée is expected to arrive in Brest this Saturday. Follow updates on his journey and the MACSF’s social media channels for the latest information.
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