The six sailors of the Ultim Challenge set off on January 7 from the Breton coast for an extraordinary adventure: a solo round-the-world trip on a trimaran. This race, which is in its first edition, promises to be thrilling and full of challenges for these exceptional sailors.
Under bright sunshine, the six trimarans crossed the starting line, ready to tackle a 40,000 kilometer journey around the globe. These powerful machines, measuring 32 meters long, are capable of flying on their foils, these lateral appendages which allow them to rise above the water and reach impressive speeds.
From the start, we were able to witness fierce competition between the sailors. Tom Laperche, aboard the SVR Lazartigue, took the fleet to more than 30 knots (55 km/h), closely followed by Armel Le Cléac’h and Charles Caudrelier. These skippers are determined to complete this race in record time, hoping to take around fifty days to complete the 21,600 nautical miles of the course and pass the three legendary capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin and the Horn.
But beyond the competition, the emotion is palpable during this departure. The sailors said goodbye to their loved ones on the pontoons of Brest, in scenes charged with emotion. The sailors are aware of the challenges that await them and the need to quickly switch to racing mode, leaving behind tears and doubts to concentrate on this incredible adventure.
For these experienced sailors, traveling the world alone on a trimaran is an extremely rare feat. Only seven sailors have achieved this feat so far, and only four of them have done it non-stop. This race therefore represents a major challenge for these experienced sailors, but also an opportunity to push their limits and make sailing history.
There are many issues at stake for these sailors. They must not only sail as quickly as possible, but also ensure the maintenance of their boats to arrive in good condition at the finish line. It is a true test of skills and resilience, which will make this race a decisive step in the careers of these talented sailors.
Following the Ultim Challenge will undoubtedly be an exciting opportunity for sailing enthusiasts. This competition promises twists and turns, records to break and moments of palpable tension. So stay tuned so as not to miss anything of this extraordinary adventure taking place on the seas of the globe.