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Coville sets new world sailing record, wins Jules Verne Trophy
Thomas Coville and crew set a new Jules Verne Trophy record, shaving 12 hours off the previous mark and averaging 29.17 knots over 28,315 miles, despite severe weather challenges.
On Sunday, French skipper Thomas Coville and his six-man crew completed a non-stop circumnavigation on Sodebo Ultim 3, winning the Jules Verne Trophy in 40 days, 10 hours, 45 minutes and 50 seconds.
The Jules Verne Trophy, inspired by an 1872 novel, sends boats around Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, and Cape Horn between Ushant and Lizard Point, starting and finishing at Créac'h Lighthouse on Ushant.
Facing severe weather, the crew lengthened their route in the South Atlantic, dodged rogue ice in the Southern Ocean, and endured Storm Ingrid with 100 km/h winds and starboard rudder casing damage.
Their victory immediately registered as a milestone, becoming the tenth successful Jules Verne circumnavigation, as Coville was hailed a hero in Brest and thanked his crew as 'the magnificent seven'.
Given the race's route and legacy, Coville noted the storm likely cost a sub‑40‑day run, highlighting how close future challengers may come.
Thomas Coville and his six team-mates broke the Jules Verne Trophy record on Sunday by closing Sodebo 3 on the world tour in 40 days and 10 hours. 54 km/h average! A circumnavigation