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Five skippers complete the ultimate challenge
It was a race like no other; six Ultim Class trimarans racing solo, non stop around the world in the ultimate high speed battle across a 22,000nm racecourse starting and finishing in Brest and taking on the mighty Southern Ocean. In the end, the finish was somewhat anticlimactic with winner Charles Caudrelier in Maxi Edmond de Rothschildbuilding up such an extraordinary lead over his rivals that he was able to take a two day break in Horta on the way back up the Atlantic in order to sit out a weather window – and still win with two days to spare.
Nevertheless, the race has still presented an extraordinary spectacle and is a true testament to the endurance of the sailors who competed in the race. Although Caudrelier’s winning time of 50 days and 9 hours was some way short of the 42d 14h solo round the world record set by François Gabart (FRA) on Macifin 2017, the fact that only Tom Laperche on SVR Lazartiguewas forced to retire on this most punishing of courses is testament to the seamanship of the sailors and also the construction of these boats, which are capable of speeds in excess of 40kts.
Finishing Order
1. Charles Caudrelier (FRA), Maxi Edmond de Rothschild– Feb. 27, 50:19:07:42
2. Thomas Coville (FRA), Sodebo Ultim 3 – Feb. 29, 53:01:12:40
3. Armel Le Cléac’h (FRA), Maxi Banque Populaire XI– March 3, 56:08:01:31
4. Anthony Marchand (FRA), ActualUltim 3 -March 11, 64:01:38:21
5. Éric Péron (FRA), Trimaran Adagio – March 13, 66:01:14:27
Caudrelier’s Route to victory:
The duel with Tom Laperche
Racing down the Atlantic, Caudrelier and Laperche became embroiled in a tense battle at the head of the fleet. SVR Lazartigue just having the best of it off the coast of Brazil. In the end, the pair diverged with Laperche opting to gybe north in search of yet more wind, with Caudrelier sailing more conservatively. On 18 January Laperche reported damage to his daggerboard following a collision and he subsequently retired from the race. Just prior to this, Caudrelier had also received a massive boost, having heard that one of the pre race favourites, Armel le Cleac’h on Banque Populaire XIhad diverted into Recife on 14 January to fix a foil problem, his tack fitting and damage to his pulpit.
The charge in the Southern Ocean
As Caudrelier entered
