An Incredible Voyage: The Seafaring Adventures of a Sailor and His Chicken

The story of Guirec Soudée and his red hen Monique captures the imagination with a tale of an incredible maritime voyage In an age where solo sailing adventures are increasingly rare, this unique duo remind us that the call of the ocean transcends age, experience, and even species Their voyage around the world on a modest 30-foot sailboat demonstrates that big dreams can become reality through perseverance and an unbreakable bond.

A Young Sailor’s Daring Dream

Guirec Soudée bought his first sailboat when he was only 21 years old. He had only sailed a small dinghy before, but he had a big dream: he wanted to cross the Atlantic Ocean by himself in his used boat, Yvinec. He spent six months getting ready for the trip by studying navigation, meteorology, and making changes to the boat. From France to the Caribbean, his planned route would be more than 4,500 nautical miles long.

While harborside pubs are filled with old salts spinning yarns of pursuing open waters, few act on the impulse. But the young Frenchman was determined to turn his dream into reality.

An Unlikely Shipmate

As Guirec busied himself with outfitting his boat, he acquired an unlikely sailing companion – a red hen named Monique. She was to provide company, and a supply of fresh eggs, during the long lonely weeks at sea. However, her presence was almost accidental rather than by design.

Monique demonstrated good sea manners during initial short coastal trips. She enjoyed nesting on the deck and foraged for food onboard. The hardy hen showed no signs of seasickness. So Guirec decided to take her along, making a coop on deck.

He had no idea at the time that his feathered friend would end up going around the world with him and being the perfect sailor. During the over 45,000 nautical miles of adventure, Monique was more than a friend, a calm presence, and a brave person.

Conquering the Atlantic

In July 2014, Guirec and Monique shoved off on their journey from Brittany, France. The salty Breton seas soon gave way to the swells of the Atlantic.

Guirec got used to sailing, navigating, keeping the boat in good shape, and taking care of Monique. Batteries for essential electronics, like an autopilot that let the captain steer without having to do it by hand, were kept charged by solar panels and a wind turbine. As the two set out westward, each day brought new problems. They ran into fierce storms, technical issues, and long stretches of being alone.

Guirec and Monique got to the Caribbean island of Martinique on January 11, 2015, after being at sea for 181 days by themselves. They were greeted by press coverage of their amazing achievement. Guirec was the youngest sailor to cross the Atlantic by himself. He was only 21 years old.

But the public acclaim did not sway Guirec from his ambitious dream to continue sailing around the world. After rest and repairs in Martinique, he and Monique resumed their voyage westward.

Navigating the Northwest Passage

From the Caribbean, Guirec and Monique ventured to Greenland for his next major goal – transiting the perilous Northwest Passage above Canada and Alaska. The direct route through the Arctic seas had long tormented explorers seeking a northern shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific. Pack ice, freezing temperatures, and rapidly changing conditions have crushed many dreams.

In summer 2016, Guirec piloted Yvinec into the eastern entrance of the Northwest Passage at Lancaster Sound. As winter approached, sea ice soon surrounded the sailboat, trapping them fast. Marooned for over 100 days, the pair displayed remarkable resilience in the face of one of sailing’s toughest tests. Monique stayed healthy despite challenging conditions in her exposed coop on deck.

In late November, a shift in winds broke up the ice sufficiently for Yvinec to exit the Northwest Passage after 117 days – making 23-year old Guirec the youngest sailor to solo navigate the route. Their willpower and bond were instrumental in overcoming perhaps their biggest obstacle.

Rounding Cape Horn

Guirec and Monique voyaged onward, sailing down the Pacific coasts of Alaska and Canada toward their next major waypoint – the southern tip of South America. Reaching Cape Horn requires rounding the feared Drake Passage separating South America from Antarctica. The 500-mile wide passage churns with massive waves and storms funneled between the continents with no land to provide shelter. Shipwrecks litter the seabed, earning it the moniker “Sailors Graveyard.”

The hazardous Drake lived up to its reputation as Yvinec battled fierce headwinds and huge waves approaching Cape Horn in early 2019. But Guirec’s expert seamanship piloted them safely through the passage below South America. Rounding Cape Horn checked off another milestone accomplishment in their remarkable circumnavigation.

Homecoming After 45,000 Miles

Over five years after departing France, Guirec and Monique sailed back into their homeport of Brest in September 2019. They completed a full circumnavigation of over 45,000 nautical miles – a longer distance than the circumference of the Earth.

Throughout the incredible voyage, Monique displayed exceptional adaptability and stoicism. The hardy hen survived frigid Arctic seas, massive Pacific storms, and weeks of isolation under sail. She fulfilled a vital companionship role during the solo endeavor.

Their amazing teamwork and mutual care yielded one of sailing’s greatest adventure stories. Guirec showed that with determination and grit, major achievements once restricted to veteran sailors can be attained by following your dreams regardless of age or experience. And he shared his odyssey with the most unlikely and heartwarming shipmate imaginable.

Key Takeaways from Guirec and Monique’s Epic Voyage

This extraordinary maritime journey offers several inspirational lessons:

• Follow your dreams – Don’t let youth, inexperience, or modest resources prevent pursuing your ambitions. With passion and hard work, ambitious goals are attainable.

• Perseverance pays off – Guirec overcame setbacks and obstacles that ended similar voyages through persistence, adaptability, and expert sailing skills.

• An unbreakable bond – The loyalty and companionship between Guirec and Monique was instrumental to enduring isolation and hardship.

• Record-setting achievement – Their voyage set sailing records for the youngest solo Atlantic crossing and Northwest Passage transit.

• Living harmony with nature – Relying on the wind and current fostered a close connection with the sea during extended periods under sail.

Guirec and Monique’s incredible voyage remains an aspirational tale of realizing substantial dreams through dedication and an unforgettable friendship. Their sailing adventure continues to inspire both seasoned and aspiring sailors around the world.