Route du Rhum: “We have zero room for error”, Le Figaro was on Sodebo with the watchmen, “the guardian angels” of Ultim before departure

“Welcome aboard, it’s shaking a little, it’s less calm than that night when the sea was a real mirror.” At the end of the central hull, François Duguet extends his hand to help us climb onto the deck of the giant Sodebo from a team zodiac. The “boat captain” of the fastest boat in history in a crewed world tour at the start of the year, accompanied by Gwen Guenin, in charge of all operational electronics, begins his rotation. It will last two hours in our company.

Sodebo is never left to its own devices in the bay of Saint-Malo

Since late Friday evening, after leaving the Vauban basin via the lock, Thomas Coville's trimaran has been anchored under shelter in the bay of Saint-Malo until Sunday morning. Around 10 a.m., you will have to head towards the starting line at Pointe du Groin. A period of time during which Sodebo will never be left to its own devices. In turn, five teams of two took turns (four hours at night and two hours during the day) to ensure the safety of a boat and carry out...