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Outlook: The chicken who sailed the world

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Guirec Soudée and Monique (his chicken) in the snow with the boat in the background

20/02/2023 GMT

The chicken who sailed the world

BBC World Service - Outlook, The chicken who sailed the world

Guirec Soudée sailed around the world with just his chicken Monique for company

Guirec Soudée grew up on a tiny French island dreaming of adventure. At 21 he began a five-year sail around the world with just his chicken Monique for company.

Guirec Soudée had always dreamed of sailing around the world. He set out at the age of 21 in a rusty 30ft boat, with no communication equipment and little sailing experience. He'd wanted to take a pet, but a cat or dog seemed impractical. Then, during a stop in the Canary Islands he met Monique - a Rhode Island Red chicken and, 'fell in love'. She was to become his confidante and best friend during a four-year trip. Together, they sailed across the Atlantic and then on to Greenland. They confronted icebergs and storms and were trapped in the Arctic ice for 130 days. They even crossed the treacherous Northwest Passage between the Pacific and the Atlantic. He became the youngest sailor to complete the crossing; Monique the only chicken. 

Guirec has written a book about his journey with Monique called: A Sailor, a Chicken, an Incredible Voyage.

This episode was first broadcast in December 2021.

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com

Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Producer: Katy Takatsuki

(Photo: Monique and Guirec. Credit: Guirec Soudée)

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