Guirec Soudée Shatters Record in Solo Around-the-World Sail
Brest, France – Guirec Soudée has rewritten the record books for the fastest solo, west-about circumnavigation of the globe. The 34-year-old French sailor completed the monumental journey in 94 days, 21 hours and 58 minutes aboard his 31-meter (102-foot) trimaran, MACSF, smashing the previous record by nearly 28 days. Soudée crossed a virtual finish line located between the island of Ouessant (Finistère) and Lizard Point, southwest England, on Saturday morning, March 28, 2026, to a jubilant reception in Brest.
A Challenge Against the Prevailing Winds
Soudée’s achievement is particularly remarkable because he sailed against the prevailing winds and currents – a route known as sailing “against the trade winds.” This is a significantly more challenging undertaking than the traditional east-about route followed by events like the Vendée Globe and The Ocean Race. The west-about route demands exceptional seamanship and a robust vessel capable of withstanding relentless headwinds and challenging sea states. For context, the Vendée Globe and The Ocean Race both circumnavigate the globe with the prevailing winds, making Soudée’s feat all the more impressive.
Breaking a 22-Year-Old Record
The previous record for a solo, west-about circumnavigation was held by fellow Frenchman Jean-Luc Van Den Heede, who completed the voyage in 122 days, 14 hours, 3 minutes, and 49 seconds in 2004 aboard a monohull yacht. Van Den Heede, now 80 years old, was among those congratulating Soudée on his accomplishment, expressing his delight that his record had been broken during his lifetime. The difference in time – nearly a month – underscores the advancements in multihull technology and the skill of the modern sailor.
A Rare and Demanding Feat
Solo, non-stop west-about circumnavigations are exceedingly rare in the sailing world. Only six sailors have successfully completed the challenge. Chay Blyth of Great Britain was the first, completing the journey in 292 days in 1971 aboard British Steel. Dee Caffari became the first woman to achieve the feat in 2016, taking 178 days, 17 hours, 55 minutes, and 42 seconds. The difficulty of the route explains why it’s less frequently attempted than the more conventional east-about circumnavigation.
The Journey Begins
Soudée embarked on his ambitious adventure the day before Christmas 2025. He faced a grueling test of endurance and navigation, battling unpredictable weather systems and the constant demands of single-handed sailing. The MACSF trimaran, designed for speed and stability, proved to be a crucial asset in overcoming the challenges of the route. The trimaran’s design allowed Soudée to maintain a higher average speed and better handle the rough seas encountered during the voyage.
What Makes This Record Significant?
This record isn’t just about speed; it’s a testament to human resilience and the relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries in sailing. Soudée’s voyage demonstrates the capabilities of modern multihull technology and the dedication required to conquer one of the most demanding challenges in the sport. The west-about route, sailing against the dominant winds, presents a unique set of obstacles that require exceptional skill, and preparation. It’s a feat that demands not only physical endurance but also meticulous planning and a deep understanding of oceanography and meteorology.
Looking Ahead
Guirec Soudée is expected to be greeted by cheering crowds at Quai Malbert in Brest. His successful circumnavigation marks a new chapter in solo sailing history. The accomplishment is sure to inspire a new generation of sailors to take on ambitious challenges and explore the limits of human potential on the water. Soudée’s next steps remain to be seen, but his recent success undoubtedly positions him as a leading figure in the world of ocean racing.
The sailing community and fans worldwide eagerly await further updates on Soudée’s return and future endeavors. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of this remarkable achievement and the exciting world of sailing.
