Thomas Coville launches another Jules Verne bid aboard Sodebo Ultim 3, leaving Lorient for Ushant

Departure logistics: Lorient to Ushant and the Jules Verne line

Sodebo Ultim 3 left its Lorient pontoon at 11:00 on December 15, 2025, heading to Ushant to cross the official Jules Verne start line situated between the Créac’h lighthouse and Lizard Point during the night of December 15–16. The timing was chosen to exploit a narrow weather window identified by the shore team: a sequence of North Atlantic systems followed by trade winds that should allow a fast descent toward the Cape of Good Hope.

Course sequencing and operational priorities

The immediate operational focus is on route optimization through the North Atlantic to reach the trades quickly while preserving structural margin for appendages and foils. The logistical plan includes staggered maintenance wake-ups, strict sail inventory management, and 24/7 watch rotations to sustain peak boat speeds without compromising reliability. Real-time weather routing and satellite telemetry are being used to adjust tactics continuously.

Key performance target

The explicit benchmark remains Francis Joyon’s Jules Verne mark of 40 days, 23 hours, 30 minutes and 30 seconds set with IDEC Sport in January 2017. Beating that time requires a combination of sustained high average speed, minimal time lost to repairs, and favorable synoptic-scale weather. The Sodebo program has prioritized appendage resilience and flight-control reliability based on lessons from last year’s rudder failure.

Crew composition and capabilities

Onboard roles and watch system

• Watch cycles: Continuous 4-on / 8-off rotation with overlap during sail changes.
• Maintenance protocol: Scheduled inspections of foil bearings, rudder linkages, and hydraulic systems every 24 hours.
• Data flow: Shore-based router feeds synoptic updates directly to the onboard navigator for tactical shifts.

Vessel readiness and program context

Sodebo Ultim 3, launched in 2019, has undergone iterative structural and system upgrades focused on appendage durability and flight stability. This Jules Verne attempt doubles as a high-stress endurance test ahead of the Route du Rhum 2026 refit and Thomas Coville’s next solo campaign. The platform modifications emphasize redundancy and easier at-sea repairs to reduce the likelihood of mission-aborting failures.

Strategic risks and mitigations

Main risks include appendage damage, foil control failures, and adverse high-pressure systems that can sap average speed. Mitigation measures deployed are conservative sail area choices in heavy seas, rapid-diagnosis toolkits for field repairs, and a layered communications plan to coordinate spare-part support from Lorient if needed.

Tactical outlook and competition

Competitors remain in play: IDEC Sport is also at sea attempting the same circumnavigation, with an all-female crew skippered in that campaign by Alexia Barrier. Head-to-head dynamics may influence strategic routing early in the North Atlantic, but the race is effectively won or lost on three things—speed, reliability, and the weather.

How this matters to travelers and visitors

For coastal visitors and sailing fans, departures and finishes around Lorient and Ushant create opportunities for shore-side events, port visits, and themed excursions. Those planning to witness start or finish activity should consider guided museum tours, harbour walks, and local lighthouse visits to place the spectacle in a broader maritime context.

Highlighted details below offer a quick at-a-glance summary of what to expect:

• Departure: Lorient pontoon → Ushant start line between Créac’h and Lizard Point
• Primary goal: Beat IDEC Sport’s 2017 Jules Verne time
• Crew strength: Experienced mix of multihull and IMOCA sailors
• Program link: This attempt precedes upgrades for Route du Rhum 2026

The strategic and logistical nuances of this Jules Verne attempt are compelling, but even the most detailed previews and technical briefings can’t replace firsthand observation. On GetExperience, you can book verified local sailing-related tours, harbour walks, and maritime museum visits at reasonable prices, with secure payments and voucher confirmation issued after purchase; you may also submit requests for tailored excursions to receive offers from providers that match your preferences. Enjoy the convenience, transparency and wide range of options that help you plan the perfect maritime trip. Book now GetExperience.com

In summary: Sodebo Ultim 3’s December 15 departure from Lorient to Ushant initiates a highly calculated Jules Verne bid that hinges on weather routing, mechanical resilience, and an experienced crew led by Thomas Coville. The campaign tests vessel durability ahead of Route du Rhum 2026 while offering onshore fans unique travel experiences—ranging from museum tours with live guides to coastal yacht parties and eco-friendly wildlife safaris—making this a prime season for adventure activities, cruise packages, and interactive cultural workshops for visitors seeking a mix of spectacle and hands-on travel experiences.