The first solo round-the-world race

The Arkea Ultim Challenge 2024 is a round-the-world sailing race aboard Ultim yachts.

The race, which starts on 7 January 2024, will follow the same route as the Vendée Globe. Mark your calendars: the start village will open its doors on 27 December 2023.

As well as stalls and a host of events, you'll be able to admire the boats moored on the Quai Malbert in Brest.

An unprecedented long-distance race

It took 20 years to make this incredible race a reality. A first - aborted - start was planned for 2011, then 2019.

Finally, the Arkea Ultime Challenge will take place on 7 January 2024. This 40,000 km (21,600 nautical mile) round-the-world multihull race is a real challenge.

What does the Arkea Ultim Challenge 2024 have in store?

On 7 January 2024, seven solo skippers will set off from Brest aboard their Ultim 32/23, giant multihulls over 30 metres long.

The aim of the race: to circumnavigate the globe from west to east via the three capes: Horn, Leewin and Good Hope.

The seven skippers will have to beat the elements, including swell, waves, ice, depressions and strong winds. The race is expected to last between 40 and 50 days.


To date, five French skippers have announced their participation:

• Anthony Marchand with Actual Ultim 3
• Armel Le Cléac'h (winner of the Vendée Globe) with Populaire XI
• Charles Caudrelier (winner of the Route du Rhum) with Maxi Edmond de Rothschild
• Thomas Coville on Sodebo Ultim 3
• Tom Laperche with the Trimaran SVR-Lazartigue

While some have completed the course in solo record mode in the past, none have done so in race condition!

 

Your spa tourism residence in Brest

For your stay in Brest, choose the residence Barracuda & Spa for a relaxing break.

To start with, all 90 rooms in our 4-star hotel have a sea view and a terrace or balcony! Particularly spacious (minimum 23m²), they offer a restful, contemporary atmosphere with a play on materials and colours.

Let yourself be tempted by the wellness area with heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and hammam. Good to know: access is free for Privilege, Superior, Premium and Suites rooms. Extend the experience with a cocktail on the roof-stop of La Croisette, the bar/brasserie of the hotel Barracuda & Spa, a unique place in Brest.

You can also enjoy tasty bistronomic dishes and a Sunday brunch, all with a view over Brest harbour.