Guirec Soudée Shatters Record in Solo Round-the-World Voyage
Brest, France – French skipper Guirec Soudée completed a historic solo circumnavigation of the globe, sailing against the prevailing winds and currents, and setting a modern record of 94 days, 21 hours, and 58 minutes. Soudée crossed the virtual finish line located between the island of Ouessant (Finistère) and the Lizard Point in southwest England on Saturday, obliterating the previous record of 122 days and 14 hours set in 2004 by fellow Frenchman Jean-Luc Van Den Heede.
The 34-year-old Soudée embarked on the ambitious journey aboard his maxi-trimaran, the Ultim MACSF, departing Brest on December 23rd. This marks the first time a multihull has successfully completed a round-the-world voyage against the dominant winds and currents, a feat previously only accomplished by sailors using monohulls. The route, spanning over 37,670 nautical miles (approximately 70,000 km), presented a formidable challenge, demanding exceptional seamanship, and resilience.
A Record Long in the Making
Soudée’s achievement is particularly noteworthy given the inherent difficulties of sailing against the trade winds and ocean currents. The traditional route for circumnavigation takes advantage of these forces; Soudée deliberately chose the more arduous path, pushing the limits of both his vessel and his own endurance. This “wrong-way” route requires constant vigilance and tactical adjustments to navigate the unpredictable weather patterns and strong currents.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. After rounding Cape Horn in January, Soudée was forced to sail far north to avoid excessively rough conditions and protect his boat. This demonstrates the strategic thinking and adaptability required to succeed on such a demanding voyage. The Ultim MACSF, a cutting-edge trimaran, proved its capability in handling the extreme conditions, allowing Soudée to maintain a remarkable pace throughout the journey.
From Atlantic Crossings to Global Recognition
Soudée’s sailing career has been marked by a series of ambitious endeavors. He gained public recognition for his solo voyage around the world between 2014 and 2018, famously accompanied by his hen Monique. He followed that with two transatlantic crossings completed by rowing boat between 2020 and 2021, showcasing his versatility and determination. This latest accomplishment solidifies his position as a leading figure in the world of ocean racing.
The skipper’s preparation for this record attempt began in 2025, with a transatlantic crossing alongside YouTuber Inoxtag, providing a glimpse into life aboard a multihull and generating significant public interest. The MACSF has been a key partner in supporting Soudée’s endeavors, maintaining its commitment to offshore racing during a transitional period between major IMOCA campaigns.
A Hero’s Welcome Awaits
Soudée is expected to arrive in Brest around 1:00 PM local time (12:00 UTC) where a crowd of supporters, including Jean-Luc Van Den Heede, will be waiting to greet him. Van Den Heede, the previous record holder, will be present on the pontoon to acknowledge Soudée’s remarkable achievement. The arrival promises to be a celebratory occasion, recognizing the culmination of years of preparation and a truly extraordinary feat of seamanship.
This record-breaking voyage underscores the enduring appeal of solo ocean racing and the relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries in the sport. Guirec Soudée’s success is a testament to his skill, courage, and unwavering determination, inspiring sailors and adventurers around the world.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Soudée will be his arrival in Brest, where he will be officially welcomed and debriefed on his incredible journey. Follow Archysport for continued coverage of Soudée’s homecoming and future endeavors.
