Exclusive Benjamin Schwartz Interview, co-skipper of Sodebo Ultim 3 on Jules Verne Trophy attempt
by Mark Jardine 6 Jan 12:05 GMT
6 January 2026
Sodebo Ultim 3 © Jeremie Lecaudey
Today we have an exclusive Q&A with Benjamin Schwartz, co-skipper of Sodebo Ultim 3 from the Pacific Ocean during their Jules Verne Trophy record attempt around the world.
We ask about their watch system, how they handled the Indian Ocean, the technical challenges and any breakages they've suffered, how the team is feeling at the halfway point, what their strategy is for the Pacific Ocean and beyond, and also how Leo, their drone pilot, captures the amazing footage, and recovers the drone at the end of each flight.
Benjamin also has a thank you for our Sail-World viewers, so do please send the team a message of support on the tracker at sodebo-ultim3.sodebo.com
We take a look at the tracker to see how they are progressing as they approach Point Nemo in the Pacific Ocean, and what their advantage is over the reference time set by Francis Joyon and his team on IDEC Sport in 2016/17 when the round the world record was set.
We end today's video with another drone flight, from start to finish so you can see how it's done!
With very many thanks to the Sodebo Ultim 3 team.