New solo Round Britain and Ireland record set at under five days
by Sail-World Cruising on 26 Aug 2010
Oman Sail "Majan" trimaran - look at her go! Under 5 days around Britain and Ireland OmanSail
Frenchman Sidney Gavignet has set a new single-handed Round Britain and Ireland record on the 100 foot trimaran Oman Air Majan, and also took the record for the fully-crewed Round Britain record.
Gavignet covered 1,787 miles in an incredible 4 days, 15 hours, 9 minutes and 47 seconds which knocked a massive 1 day 15 hours 30 minutes and 44 seconds off the existing record set in a 60 foot trimaran Sodebo by fellow Frenchman Thomas Coville in 2006.
Even more remarkable was his taking of the fully crewed record, which has stood for eight years after being set by American adventurer Steve Fossett and his crew on the 125 foot catamaran Playstation. Fossett, a dedicated flyer, sailor and balloonist, disappeared in 2007 while flying over the desert in Nevada, and his crash site and remains were not found until more than a year later.
'I am incredibly happy,' Gavignet told reporters after the finish. The irony of the record is that he did it as a kind of training leg for competing in the single-handed Route du Rhum from St Malo to Guadeloupe later this year.
'This record around British Isles is the cherry on the cake for all team at Oman Air Majan and Oman Sail. I've learnt so much from the boat. We made some good sail choices and I feel really happy with the setup onboard.
'I still have a lot to improve, managing my sleep onboard making sure I eat enough to keep myself in the best possible shape for the challenges ahead.'
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