It’s been a historic week for the world of yachting. At the start of 2026, the ocean has not only been the scene of chronometric performances, but also of a veritable paradigm shift. Between Thomas Coville’s new absolute reference time and the birth of a major women’s project led by Alexia Barrier, crewed circumnavigation has definitely entered a new dimension.
Thomas Coville and Sodebo: The 40-day barrier wobbles
On Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 7:46 am, the trimaran Sodebo Ultim 3 crossed the virtual finish line between Ushant and Lizard Point. The chronometer’s verdict was clear: 40 days, 10 hours and 45 minutes. Thomas Coville and his crew of six sailors (Benjamin Schwartz, LĂ©onard Legrand, Pierre Leboucher, Nicolas Troussel, Guillaume Pirouelle, Fred Denis) beat Francis Joyon’s record by 12 hours and 44 minutes.
Above all, this victory is one of tenacity. For Coville, whose intimate history with round-the-world sailing is well known, this record is the culmination of years of development on a flying boat whose technical complexity is matched only by its power.
The Famous Project: IDEC Sport for women
But emotions were just as high the following day, Monday January 26. The maxi-trimaran IDEC Sport, led by Alexia Barrier and her 100% all-female crew (Dee Caffari, Annemieke Bes, Rebecca GmĂŒr Hornell, Deborah Blair, Molly LaPointe, TĂĄmara Echegoyen and Stacey Jackson), crossed the line after a masterly journey. If the primary objective of The Famous Project was to establish a female reference time, the sporting performance – the 6th best time in the history of the Jules Verne – commands the respect of all…
Despite a torn mainsail a few days from the finish and Dantean conditions in the Pacific – with 50-knot winds and cross seas – Alexia Barrier and her seven crew “came full circle” in 57 days. This time becomes the compass for all future women’s attempts. “It’s a very closed circle that we’re joining today,” confided Alexia as she rounded the Horn. Beyond the numbers, it’s the solidity of the team and the mastery of an Ultimate renowned for its brutality that have left their mark.
Above all, the IDEC Sport crew demonstrated that the absolute record is certainly not an impossible dream for a female crew. If a sponsor is interested, please contact us at the magazine and we’ll pass on the message to Alexia and her “super girls”…
