Cape Horn Hall of Fame welcomes six new inductees in 2026

George Anson, Alexia Barrier, Thomas Coville, Guirec Soudée, Brian Thompson and Paul Cayard are the six new names in the Cape Horn Hall of Fame. The International Association of Cape Horners (IACH) held the ceremony in Les Sables-d’Olonne on 4 September 2026, as the 16 Golden Globe Race skippers made their final preparations for a solo circumnavigation.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, IACH president and pioneer of solo non-stop circumnavigation, and Jean-Luc van den Heede, the association’s vice-president, took part in an event bringing together generations of sailors connected by Cape Horn.

George Anson: a historic circumnavigation

British Commodore George Anson (1697–1762) represents the age of eighteenth-century exploration and naval campaigns. His expedition endured extreme conditions around Cape Horn before continuing into the Pacific aboard HMS Centurion. During the voyage he captured the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Covadonga and completed his circumnavigation in 1744. He later became First Lord of the Admiralty.

Alexia Barrier: from the Vendée Globe to The Famous Project

France’s Alexia Barrier finished the 2020/21 Vendée Globe in 24th place after 111 days at sea, despite a spinal injury. As founder of 4myplanet, she has connected her ocean sailing with public awareness and observation of the marine environment.

With The Famous Project CIC and the trimaran IDEC Sport, she led an all-female crew around the world in January 2026 in 57 days, 21 hours and 20 minutes, setting a women’s multihull benchmark.

Thomas Coville: the outright round-the-world record

Thomas Coville was honoured for a career that reached a new milestone in January 2026 with the Jules Verne Trophy aboard Sodebo Ultim 3. Together with his six crewmates, he completed the circumnavigation in 40 days, 10 hours, 45 minutes and 50 seconds, improving the previous outright record.

Speaking remotely, Coville reflected on the emotion of reaching Cape Horn after the Southern Ocean and expressed his respect for the seafarers who rounded it before today’s sailors.

Guirec Soudée: around the world against the prevailing winds

Known for his long voyage with his hen Monique and for rowing across the Atlantic, Guirec Soudée added another milestone in 2026. On 28 March, he completed a solo east-to-west circumnavigation aboard MACSF in 94 days, 21 hours and 58 minutes, sailing against the prevailing winds and currents.

His time improved Jean-Luc van den Heede’s benchmark and made him the first sailor to complete the route in a multihull. Soudée interrupted an Arctic voyage to attend the ceremony and expressed his gratitude at joining sailors he admires.

Brian Thompson: four non-stop circumnavigations

Brian Thompson was the first Briton to complete four non-stop circumnavigations. His achievements include the record aboard Cheyenne, victory in the Oryx Quest as skipper of Doha 2006, fifth place in the 2008/09 Vendée Globe and the Jules Verne Trophy with Loïck Peyron aboard Banque Populaire 5.

Receiving his award from Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Thompson recalled the Banque Populaire 5 circumnavigation as the most outstanding experience of his career.

Paul Cayard: from the Whitbread to Cape Horn recognition

American sailor Paul Cayard won the 1997/98 Whitbread Round the World Race as skipper of EF Language. His career combines ocean racing with Olympic campaigns, the America’s Cup and Star class competition.

Cayard emphasised the special place that sailing around the world holds in his life and expressed his admiration for everyone who has sailed around Cape Horn.

The 2026 inductees bring together naval history, ocean racing and modern record-breaking voyages. Through the Hall of Fame, the IACH preserves the achievements of Cape Horn sailors and encourages future generations to follow their courses.

Source: International Association of Cape Horners (IACH). Images: IACH / Barry Pickthall.