The official language of the “Jules Verne Trophy” is French. The French version of these rules shall prevail over any other version in other languages.
The “Jules Verne Trophy”™ is unique and is awarded to the challenger who establishes or improves on the circumnavigation record, on condition that this circumnavigation occurs in under 80 days and in compliance with the applicable regulations.
The “Jules Verne Trophy” is a simple and unrestricted sailing contest, with freedom as one of its keywords. This great freedom – in technology, communication and strategy – implies great responsibility. A few rules of conduct are nevertheless essential in order to guarantee this freedom.
To enter this sailing contest and to attempt to win the “Jules Verne Trophy”:
• The Competitor must possess a boat and a crew (non-compulsory and unrestricted) capable of sailing around the world without outside assistance, according to the discretion of the members of the Tour du Monde en 80 Jours association
• The boat’s official skipper must be a member of the Tour du Monde en 80 Jours association [at the time when a declaration of intent is communicated]
• The Competitor must be up to date in the payment of his or her record-attempt registration fee (1 registration fee per attempt year) and communicate his or her declaration of intent (see the form in the Annex) at least three months before the scheduled date of departure.
• Accept the communication deontology of the Jules Verne Trophy.
• Cross the starting line defined by a line between Créac’h lighthouse on Ushant Island and Lizard Lighthouse.
Travel around the world leaving the capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin and Horn to port.
• Re-cross the line defined above in the opposite direction.
• An attempt at the “Jules Verne Trophy” is considered to commence as soon as the competitor crosses the starting line of the route between 1 August of the year underway and 31 July of the following year.
• During this period, hereafter referred to as the “attempt year,” the competitor can go over the starting line as many times as he or she wishes without having to pay registration fee again.
• The attempt will be considered as completed when the competitor crosses the finishing line after following the route of the “Jules Verne Trophy” or when the attempt year ends.
• As a member of the Association Tour du Monde en 80 Jours, the skipper of the vessel pledges to communicate to the Association his or her times for crossing the starting and finishing line, expressed in universal time down to the second.
• The Trophy is open to all types of vessels and crews, without restriction.
• The vessels shall be propelled by the wind and crew alone, and all types of non-mechanical energy shall be allowed.
• The number of crew members on board is open.
• No outside assistance is allowed.
• All competitors must respect the applicable international safety rules.
• The skipper and his or her crew shall take part in the “Jules Verne Trophy” at their own risk and peril.
• Boats should be designed and built to enable full autonomy at sea.
• Rescue and assistance at sea are governed by the applicable international conventions.
• Membership fees for joining the “Tour du Monde en 80 Jours” association, subject to the provisions of Article 8 of its statute, are set at the amount of thirty thousand euros.
• Payment of this amount confers the payer:
the status as an active member of the “Tour du Monde en 80 Jours” association.
the right to embark on an attempt at the “Jules Verne Trophy” when he or so wishes.
• For any new attempt at the “Jules Verne Trophy,” a member of the association will need to pay a registration fee of twelve thousand euros.
Before the attempt
Competitors are requested to abstain from all communication on their intention or their plan to take part in the “Jules Verne Trophy” until they are granted permission from the Association Tour du Monde en 80 Jours, in compliance with Article 7 of its statute, and have paid their registration fee.
During the attempt
• Competitors shall refrain from communicating false positions or speeds.
• Competitors shall refrain from communicating false news and commit to developing good communication.
• Competitors may not communicate their positions at strategic passages in order for these not to be divulged to possible pursuers. This eventuality should not exceed four days at the risk of compromising understanding and sportsmanship of the “Trophée Jules Verne.”
After the attempt
• The competitor deemed as winner of the “Jules Verne Trophy” is the one whose performance is better than that of the previous trophy holder.
• Once another competitor has beaten the record again, the former trophy holder should demonstrate utmost discretion in terms of communication, or systematically refer to the new holder.
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