Guirec Soudée: A New Era in Solo Sailing

Guirec Soudée has achieved a remarkable feat in the world of sailing—obliterating a record that had stood for over 20 years for sailing solo around the world westabout, or against the prevailing winds. This daring journey not only showcased the physical prowess required for such a challenge but also highlighted the mental endurance necessary for a solitary voyage of this magnitude. Soudée’s achievement places him among a select group of adventurers—just the sixth person in history to complete this journey, echoing the rarity of walking on the moon.

The Challenge of Sailing Westabout

Sailing solo around the world through the Southern Oceans is often described as one of the sport’s purest challenges. Dee Caffari, who made history as the first female sailor to achieve it in 2006, describes it as “one of the toughest challenges in offshore sailing.” It’s a test of endurance, determination, and mental fortitude, where each wave and gust of wind can break your spirit.

“As Caffari explains, it’s less about speed and more about ‘the conditions [that] wear you down and test you beyond any level you can imagine.’”

The challenges are manifold—from treacherous weather patterns and tumultuous seas to the psychological strain of solitude. Soudée, when he crossed the finish line near Ushant this past March, set a new benchmark time of 94 days, 21 hours, and 58 minutes, a feat unachieved in a multihull for two decades.

An Adventurer’s Journey Begins

At just 34 years old, Soudée is no stranger to adventures, having previously completed a remarkable five-year expedition of 40,000 miles. This voyage was unique not only for its length but also for his companion—Monique, a chicken. The quirky companionship captivated audiences far and wide, bringing a touch of humor to a serious pursuit. Soudée’s earlier adventures laid the foundation for his more ambitious aspirations, including participation in the Vendée Globe, where he finished 23rd on his boat, Freelance.com.

Soudée was already looking beyond the Vendée. “I couldn’t really see myself setting off on another Vendée, doing a sort of copy-and-paste of the first one,” he recalls, revealing his innate desire for adventure. His inspiration came from legendary sailor Jean-Luc Van Den Heede, whose story sparked Soudée’s interest in the westabout route.

Choosing the Right Vessel

For this monumental task, Soudée opted for a 32-meter trimaran originally known as Geronimo, later revamped as Sodebo for Thomas Coville, who set an eastabout record. However, funding the project proved challenging. “I didn’t have a partner who could buy the boat, so I had to sort things out with the banks on my own,” he explained. Eventually, Soudée was able to secure sponsorships that allowed him to prepare his boat on a budget.

With guidance from seasoned sailors, Soudée focused on converting the trimaran to be robust enough for the high-stakes journey. “We had a huge amount of work to do: replacing all the running and standing rigging, overhauling, modernizing… my plan was to set off only if I had a boat capable of seeing it through,” he maintained.

Tactics and Trials

Soudée set sail on December 23, 2025, navigating the Atlantic and finding himself initially over 1,000 miles ahead of Van Den Heede’s record by the Equator. However, the journey quickly highlighted the risks associated with sailing a trimaran westabout, especially rounding Cape Horn. Past attempts at this route had ended in disaster, with previous competitors facing capsizings and mishaps.

As he entered the Pacific, Soudée encountered winds upwards of 40 knots and formidable seas. “In conditions like these, resting is nearly impossible, and the tension on board is palpable,” he shared, reflecting on the intense pressure to keep both himself and the vessel safe.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite the oppressive workload and physical toll, Soudée’s resolve remained unyielding. He faced a multitude of technical challenges, from a damaged rudder to issues with the starboard foil, enduring the rigors of the open sea with little opportunity for respite. “I was on my toes the whole time,” Soudée acknowledged, revealing the mental fatigue that came with being constantly alert to both his surroundings and the demands of his vessel.

The journey became not just a test of speed but one of resilience. He shared moments of near-constant anxiety, weighing the risks while trying to find the best navigational route amid heavy ship traffic and the intense conditions of the oceans.

A Historic Finish

As he approached the final stages of his journey, Soudée found himself in a unique mental state. Even though he was leading the record pace by considerable margins, the journey began to take its toll. His final crossing into the Atlantic was made under favorable winds, but the overall experience had pushed him physically and mentally.

On March 28, at 08:34 UTC, Soudée crossed the finishing line, officially marked as a new record-holder for the westabout solo circumnavigation. The arrival in Brest elicited jubilation from supporters and fellow sailors alike, a deserved recognition of a tremendous achievement in sailing history.

Reflections of an Adventurer

Looking back on his journey, Soudée reflects on the profound drive that propels him toward such daunting challenges. He described his motivation as a passion for adventure above all else, a sentiment that resonates deeply with those who find their calling in the unpredictability of the ocean.

Soudée’s journey does not end with this record-breaking voyage. With plans to sail around Greenland with his family, he contemplates future challenges, embracing the unknown with the same audacity that defined his historical journey.

In the annals of sailing history, Guirec Soudée’s name will now forever be linked with those few who dared to explore the world’s oceans in the most challenging of ways, carving out a legacy that inspires both sailors and adventurers around the globe.