Sailing Sponsor Big Winner With Record-Breaking Circuit Of Globe

Frenchman Thomas Coville “pulverized” the world record for sailing around the world solo by finishing in 49 days and three hours, but his sponsor Sodebo “was the other winner” of the day, according to Erwan Benezet of LE PARISIEN. Food company Sodebo has been “linked with Coville for 18 years,” and invested €2.5M ($2.6M) per year to accompany the sailor. Sodebo co-President Patricia Brochard said, “The joint venture started in 1999 for the Transat Jacques Vabre, which he won.” Sodebo’s support includes “providing meals that can be prepared at-sea.” Former world sailor of the year Christine Briand said, “The size of the sails and hulls of the boat offer the perfect location for brand logos” (LE PARISIEN, 12/26).