Soudée Surges Ahead in Reverse World Record Attempt, Passes Cape of Good Hope
Cape Town, South Africa – Guirec Soudée, the French sailor attempting a groundbreaking solo, reverse circumnavigation of the globe, successfully passed the Cape of Good Hope on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 9:34 UTC. The passage puts him ahead of the pace needed to break the existing record, despite battling a damaged rudder.
Soudée, sailing his Ultim MACSF trimaran, navigated past the iconic landmark after 72 days, 22 hours, 58 minutes and 10 seconds at sea. This marks a significant milestone in his ambitious journey, which sees him sailing east to west – a less common route than the traditional westward circumnavigation. The Cape of Good Hope represents the last major cape he needs to round before beginning his ascent of the Atlantic Ocean.
Navigating Challenges and Maintaining Pace
The passage wasn’t without its difficulties. Soudée is currently sailing with a damaged port rudder, sustained after striking a fishing net south of Madagascar. Despite this setback, he managed to maintain a remarkable pace, currently holding a lead of approximately 3,700 nautical miles over the existing Vendée Globe record. The Vendée Globe, a single-handed, non-stop race around the world, serves as a benchmark for speed, though Soudée’s attempt is uniquely challenging due to the reverse route.
“It’s going to acquire a bit choppy, that’s for sure, but I’ve been through worse, and a Cape is worth earning!” Soudée commented, according to a team statement. He is now focused on repairing the damaged rudder as he begins the Atlantic crossing, a leg of the journey he is familiar with.
A Unique Challenge in Sailing History
Soudée’s attempt is particularly noteworthy as no one has ever completed a reverse circumnavigation of the world in an Ultim trimaran. Only five sailors have successfully completed the feat in a monohull. The current record, set in 2004, stands at 122 days and 14 hours. He is tackling this challenge aboard the *Géronimo*, a trimaran originally launched in 2001 and redesigned between 2012 and 2013.
The sailor’s journey is being routed by Christian Dumard and his team, who successfully guided him through the passage of the Cape of Good Hope before the arrival of a significant depression. This strategic routing is crucial for maximizing speed and minimizing risk.
From Vendée Globe to Reverse Circumnavigation
Soudée is no stranger to long-distance sailing. He finished 23rd in the 2025 Vendée Globe, a testament to his growing skill and determination. Prior to that, he gained notoriety for his adventurous spirit, including a circumnavigation with his chicken, Monique, and a winter spent in the Arctic ice. These experiences have clearly prepared him for the rigors of this latest endeavor.
The Atlantic crossing will present its own set of challenges, including dense cargo ship traffic. Soudée acknowledged the stress associated with navigating these busy shipping lanes, which can hinder recovery and require constant vigilance. However, he remains focused on maintaining his lead and pushing the boundaries of solo sailing.
What’s Next for Guirec Soudée?
Soudée will now focus on the transatlantic leg of his journey, aiming to maintain his impressive pace and complete the reverse circumnavigation. The repair of his damaged rudder will be a priority, as will careful navigation through the Atlantic shipping lanes. Fans can follow his progress and receive updates through his team’s official channels. The next major milestone will be his progress up the Atlantic, and the time it takes to complete the remaining distance will determine whether he breaks the existing record.
This is a developing story. Archysport will continue to provide updates on Soudée’s progress as he attempts to make history with his remarkable reverse circumnavigation.
