The skippers
Thomas Coville made his first Tour de France à la Voile in 1985 at the age of 17. Six others will follow, including two victories. At the same time, he studied computer science and accounting and finance, before being hired by the Bolloré company in the Pacific. In 1992, he was a substitute crew member on Commodore for the Jules Verne Trophy.
It was on his return to France in 1993 that he began his career as a professional skipper. He then competed in all the major events: America's Cup, Sidney-Hobart, Kenwood Cup, Admiral's Cup, Half Ton Cup. He also started on the multihull circuit.
From 1994, and for 4 years, he will sail as a crew member on the multihull circuit, mainly on Primagaz. To his credit: 4 European Races, Québec - St Malo, all the ORMA Grand Prix, the Mediterranean crossing record. In 1995, he participated in the America's Cup, on France 2-3.
From 1996 to 1997, we find him on the Mini 6.50 circuit, where he wins the National Championship and the Transgascogne solo race. In 1997, he took on the Jules Verne Trophy on Sport Elec with Olivier de Kersauson and beat the record. In 1999, he won the Transat Jacques Vabre. He also participated in all the major ocean races: Route du Rhum, Transat Jacques Vabre, Volvo Ocean Race, The Transat.
From 2005 onwards, Thomas Coville has been setting records: Miami to New York solo record, English Channel crossing record (2006), Round the British Isles record (2006), solo round the world record attempt (2007-2008), North Atlantic solo record (2007-2008), 24 hour solo sailing record (2008), Single-handed round the world record attempt (2008-2009), Mediterranean Record (2009), Round the world record attempt (2011), Mediterranean Record (2012), Discovery Route Record (2013) or Round the world record attempt (2014).
This multi-tour sailor âeuros he holds 7 of which 3 solo, 5 multihull and 2 monohull âeuros is a true adventurer, who has one common thread, the multihull.
Jean-Luc Nélias has been sailing the seas of the world for thirty years, solo, double-handed or with a crew. He started sailing at the age of 10 and raced his first regatta at 18. He learned to sail on multihulls alongside Paul Vatine, Jean Maurel and Serge Made. He then managed his own project "Belgacom" on the ORMA circuit.
He is also a specialist in weather analysis and race strategy. He quickly became an expert in this field and has exercised his talents alongside Roland Jourdain, in the 2006 Route du Rhum, or alongside Franck Cammas in the 2010 Route du Rhum, as well as in the 2011/2012 Volvo Ocean Race. It was at this time that Thomas and Jean-Luc met and began their collaboration, during a solo round the world record attempt with Sodebo.
The boat
Technical specifications
| Class | Ultimate |
| Sail | FRA 73 |
| Length | 31 m |
| Width | 21,20 m |
| Home port | La Trinité-sur-Mer |
| Architect | VPLP + Sodebo Design Team (E. Canivenc, M. Fischer, Y. Mignard) |
| Job site (manufacturer) | Multiplast |
| Year of construction | 2014 |
| Upwind sail area | 442 m2 |
| Canopy area at lift | 662 m2 |
| Source of energy production on board | Hydrogenerator and thermal engine |
