In the demanding world of offshore racing, some sailors stand out for their audacity, their resilience and their ability to turn the impossible into reality. Guirrec Soudée, a multifaceted Breton skipper, perfectly embodies this quest for the exceptional. In 2026, he distinguished himself by attempting an unprecedented feat: the round the world in reverse, solo on an Ultim maxi-trimaran, a human and sporting challenge that places him in the pantheon of sailing greats. His journey, his values and his uniqueness in the offshore racing ecosystem make him a special figure, admired as much for his performances as for his humble and determined approach to maritime adventure.
To remember
- First sailor to cross the three mythical capes (Horn, Leeuwin, Good Hope) in reverse, solo on an Ultim.
- Record in sight He aims to beat the 122-day time set by Jean-Luc Van Den Heede in 2004, with a lead of several weeks at the halfway point.
- An example of resilience Despite the damage and hostile conditions, it maintains a significant lead, proving that performance also depends on managing unforeseen events.
- An ambassador for Breton sailing His project highlights Brittany, a land of sailors and innovation, and inspires a new generation of offshore racers.
The man and his journey: from Brittany to mythical capes
Originally from Brittany, the cradle of some of the greatest sailors, Guirrec Soudée developed a passion for the sea and competition at a very young age. After starting out in regattas and classic offshore racing, he gained recognition for his increasingly ambitious projects. Among them was an adventure that made a lasting impression long before his round-the-world voyage: crossing the Atlantic solo… with his hen MoniqueAn unusual story, born from a somewhat crazy bet, that has traveled the world and revealed its quirky, human, and endearing side. This crossing, completed in 2019, proved that Guirrec Soudée knew how to combine performance and lightness, seriousness and humor, a rare combination in the world of offshore racing.
Yvinec’s Journey is much more than a crossing: it is a a lesson in life and humilityLeaving from his native island, Guirrec Soudée embarks with Monique, adopted from the Canary Islands, and together they take on incredible challenges. For 130 days, they remain trapped in the Greenland ice, surviving thanks to Monique’s eggs and the skipper’s ingenuity. I had more seeds for Monique than rice for myself ” he recounts, illustrating the mutual support and resourcefulness that characterized their adventure
Two years later, The sailor-adventurer rows across the Atlantic… twiceIndeed, after crossing from East to West, he decided to row home from West to East. His boat was an 8-meter-long, 1.6-meter-wide ocean-going monohull rower. Designed by Jean Michel Viant, it was built of plywood. It was unsinkable but not self-righting.
His list of achievements doesn’t end there: He participates in Vendée GlobeIn 2024, aboard an older generation Imoca, he finished 5th in the non-foiling category and 23rd overall (after covering more than 27,000 miles at an average speed of nearly 13 knots). But it is his round-the-world voyage in the opposite direction that will leave its mark, both for its audacity and its human dimension.
Circumnavigating the globe in reverse on a maxi-trimaran
In 2025, he embarks on an unprecedented adventure: to complete a trip around the world in reversethat is to say against the prevailing winds and currents, aboard the Ultim MACSF, a 32-meter trimaran designed for speed but rarely used on such a course. This choice, contrary to usual strategies, demonstrates his taste for challenge and his desire to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Departure from Brest in December 2025, heading for the Cape Horn, then the Cape Leeuwin and the Cape of Good Hope Guirrec Soudée became the first sailor in history to round these three legendary capes aboard a multihull, single-handed and against the prevailing winds. This feat put him in the lead of the record attempt, with a significant advantage over the reference time set in 2004 by Jean-Luc Van Den Heede in a monohull. Despite extreme conditions, technical failures and accumulated fatigue, he maintains an impressive pace, proving once again that performance stems as much from preparation as from the ability to adapt and persevere.
Values rooted in adventure and performance
Guirrec Soudée embodies strong values: perseverance, humility and respect for the seaUnlike some skippers who rely entirely on technology, he favors a pragmatic and conservative approach, as evidenced by his cautious management of weather conditions and route choices. This round-the-world voyage in reverse is a race for a skilled sailor. You have to navigate conservatively and cautiously, preserving your boat. ” he recalls, citing the experience of other sailors.
His adventure is also marked by a proximity with his team and partnersIn particular, MACSF, which sees him as an ideal ambassador for its values of performance and commitment. “We were thrilled by this project marked by the pursuit of performance and pushing beyond one’s limits,” emphasizes the mutual insurance company, a long-standing partner of the skipper.
Guirrec Soudée also stands out for its ability to communicate with authenticity on the challenges encountered. Whether through his onboard videos or interviews, he candidly shares the difficulties, the doubts, but also the moments of grace that such an adventure provides. His outspokenness and transparency reinforce the admiration of the public and other sailors, such as Thomas Coville, who confides: I don’t know if people really realize what he’s doing, but it truly defies all expectations in terms of adventure. “.
This makes Guirrec Soudée a unique sailor
Several factors make Guirrec Soudée a unique figure in offshore racing:
- An innovative journey He is the first to attempt (and succeed in) crossing the three capes in reverse on an Ultim, a boat designed for speed but poorly suited to close-hauled sailing and the extreme conditions of the Southern Seas.
- Exceptional resilience Despite a rudder failure and trajectories lengthened by thousands of miles to avoid the most dangerous areas, he maintains his course and his lead on the record.
- A human approach Guirrec Soudée does not hide the physical and mental sacrifices that such an adventure demands. His ability to draw on uncommon resources to stay the course, even in the most difficult moments, commands admiration.
- An adventurous spirit : Even before this round-the-world trip, he had distinguished himself with exploits such as crossing the Atlantic with his hen Monique, proving that audacity and humor also have their place in offshore racing.
His project goes beyond the simple realm of sport: it is part of a approach to sharing and inspirationshowing that sailing is also a school of life, where preparation, patience and passion are the keys to success.
Conclusion
Guirec Soudée is much more than a skipper: he is a modern adventurerA man who combines performance, humility, and a passion for the sea. His circumnavigation of the globe against the prevailing winds will remain one of the greatest achievements in offshore racing, but it is above all his human and authentic approach that leaves a lasting impression. At a time when sailing is becoming increasingly professional, he reminds us that adventure, pushing one’s limits, and respect for the ocean remain at the heart of this discipline.
His story is an invitation to dream, to dare, and to believe that limits are only there to be pushed back. A sailor to watch, without a doubt.