How many times has the bar been raised in the sail? And in the oceanic one? We have seen a continuous escalation, in terms of speed, length of world tours (under 80 days, it seemed impossible), boats and technology. And now, I believe that the bar will rise again, with a world tour reserved for the Ultim, the 32-meter multihull-monstre, in fleet racing (therefore, not records) and solo.
It will be called Solo Ultim World Tour and will be held in 2023. It is organized by Oc Sport Oen Duick by Roland Tresca and chaired by Hervé Favre (organizes La Route du Rhum and Transat CIC) together with the Ultim class. There is still no city of the start and the finish line, we are talking about Brest. As for boats and skippers, there is already a good list. Actuel by Yves Le Bievec, Banque Populaire by Armel Le Cléac’h, Brest Ultim Sailing (the skipper is not indicated), Maxi Edmond de Rothschild by Charles Caudrelier, Sodebo by Thomas Coville and a new entry, Svr-Lazartigue by Francois Gabart. In short, the best. «It is a regatta that justifies 20 years of commitment and high level sailing – says Coville -. It is a competition that consecrates the life of an athlete and a sailor ».