Francis Joyon about to challenge Trans Atlantic record from New York

by Michael Fortenbaugh, Commodore, Manhattan Sailing on 13 May 2013 One of the greatest solo sailors in the world, Frenchman Francis Joyon, is expected to arrive at Dennis Conner's North Cove Marina in New York today with his extreme trimaran 'IDEC.' He will be berthed in the marina for a week or longer as he waits for a weather window to challenge the solo Trans-Atlantic Record.

IDEC is 97 ft in length and one of the fastest ocean-going trimarans in the world. In 2008, Joyon and IDEC set a new Single-Handed Round the World Record of 57 days, 13 hours and 34 minutes, beating the previous record by 14 days.

Joyon was last at North Cove in 2005 when he arrived to attempt the Single-Handed Trans-Atlantic Record. He succeeded in that attempt, smashing the previous record but also losing his boat after crossing the finish line. His feat was so inspirational for local sailors that they established the 'Atlantic Cup' as a symbol of the Single-Handed Trans-Atlantic Record.

If you are lucky enough to be anywhere near New York and have some spare time, be sure to go down and see this incredible racing machine. She is worth the trip and will fascinate and delight you. And if you happen to see the greatest single-handed sailor in the world on board working, be sure to wave.

More details about IDEC are at http://www.trimaran-idec.com/

Watch this space for the outcome!