Thomas Coville set sail on 6th November 2016 - the start day of the Vendée Globe - at 14 hours 49 minutes and 52 seconds to complete his round the world voyage aboard his 31m multihull, Sodebo Ultim'. He is hoping to beat the record held up until then by Francis Joyon, which is 57 days 13 hours and 34 minutes. He will therefore have to reach Brest on Tuesday 3rd January 2017 at 04 hours 22 minutes and 57 seconds, but secretly hopes to return home with the New Year!
In the two videos below, Thomas looks back on his departure, full of emotion. He is not yet on his first round the world race, as he has already finished 7, but the start is always a great moment. You can hear the tears in the sailor's voice as he thanks his sponsor - Sodebo - for his departure on this date!
He then gives some news from onboard after two days of "climate-friendly" sailing, before resuming his habits: drinking, eating, sleeping and resting. He has already covered more than 1200 miles and is sailing at an average speed of 17 knots. Passage of the Equator planned for the night of Friday 11th November.
With almost 3 days of sailing to go, Thomas Coville has a lead of 249.62 NM over Francis Joyon. However, on a round the world voyage lasting nearly 60 days, we can't predict whether he will be able to maintain his lead or not.
