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Blistering start for Sodebo in Jules Verne Trophy attempt, mainsail hook hampers The Famous Project

by Mark Jardine 19 Dec 2025 03:50 PST 19 December 2025
Sodebo 3 during the Transat Café L'OR © Jeremie Lecaudey

The Ultim Trimaran Sodebo, with Skipper Thomas Coville and his team, started their Jules Verne Trophy round the world record attempt on the evening of 15th December 2025, and have made an incredible start as they head down the Atlantic.

Meanwhile, it hasn't been all plain sailing for the all-female team on The Famous Project CIC, with a mainsail hook causing them problems.

We bring you tracker updates from both yachts, and Dee Caffari explains how they are handling the problems they've encountered.

Here are the trackers for the two boats:

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