On paper, the Jules Verne Trophy is one of the simplest records in the world: the outright round the world record under sail. A virtual line is marked out offshore of Brest and it’s here that the start and finish play out once the three large capes have been left in its wake. The crew is free to choose its departure date and it’s the weather which guides any decision as they await the famous departure ‘window’. Choosing which moment in time to set sail has become crucial over the years given that the time to beat today no longer leaves any room for chance. In the Jules Verne Trophy, every minute counts. Before the offshore action, it’s important to deal with the waiting, which begins with daily weather briefings, hesitations, false starts and also the game of calling someone’s bluff, which is bound to liven up proceedings when a rival team covets the same Trophy. From November 2020 to January 2021, the men on the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild set sail twice in their quest for the holy grail.

Video Producer: Gitana Team