24.8.10 - Boatspeed Claims Another World Record

by Kerrie Auckett on 26 Aug 2010 New single handed Round Britain and Ireland record (subject to ratification by WSSRC).

Skipper Frenchman Sidney Gavignet needed to maintain an average speed over 11.86 knots (22 kmph) in order to break the record. Oman Air Majan maintained an amazing average speed of 16.081 knots (30 kmph) for the 1,787 miles course (2,876 km).

This incredible average speed has also meant that Sidney has beaten the existing fully crewed record time set by Steve Fosset onboard Paystation, by 1 hour and 7 seconds, the existing fully crewed record stands at 4 days 16 hours 9 minutes 54 seconds.

The record has seen Oman Air Majan sail 1,787 miles (2,876 km) along one of the most challenging coastlines in the world. Sidney has tackled huge low pressure systems and seen Oman Air Majan through squalls of over 40 knots (74 kmph). This is the first major test for Oman Air Majan and Sidney ahead of the single handed Route du Rhum race this coming November.

New single handed Round Britain and Ireland record (subject to ratification by WSSRC)
Boat: OMAN AIR MAJAN – 100 foot trimaran
Skipper: Sidney Gavignet (FRA)
Time: 4 days, 15 hours, 9 minutes and 47 seconds (subject to ratification by WSSRC)
Average Speed: 16.081 knots (30 kmph)
Distance miles: 1,787 (2,876 km).

Previous record around Britain and Ireland, Non stop singlehanded
Distance miles: 1787 (2,876 km).
Set: August 2006
Boat: Sodebo - 60 foot Trimaran
Record time: 6 days 6 hours 40 miniutes 31 seconds
Average speed: 11.86 knots (22kmph)
www.sailspeedrecords.com

Quote from Sidney:

I am incredibly happy, 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 felt 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 challenge ahead. The Route Du Rhum is going to be a huge race for us and I need to raise the level of my performance again for this event. The record attempt was a massive challenge and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Huge congratulations to the whole team we've done it!'

Watch all of the videos of this incredible record here: http://www.facebook.com/OmanSail?v=app_2392950137&ref=ts

Mohsin Al Busaidi (OMN), First Arab sailor around the world said: ' I'm so proud of what Sidney has achieved over this last week. He has been such an inspiration to myself and the rest of the Oman Sail team. We have a lot to learn form his knowledge and expertise and hopefully oneday I'll be able to take on his record.'

'As part of Oman's Air sponsorship of Oman Sail at the Route du Rhum, the iconic sail regatta which will take place at the end of October, we are excited to be witnessing that all the preparatory stages in the run-up to the race get under way.

We at Oman Air are both proud and thrilled to see the world famous skipper Sydney Gavignet breaking the single-handed Round Britain and Ireland raid record, and also to be part of the Route du Rhum, this very special event which offers us a great opportunity to promote our airline offering and its unique destination, the Sultanate of Oman.'

Philippe Georgiou, Chief Officer, Corporate Affairs, Oman Air.

David Graham CEO Oman Sail. Added 'A massive congratulations to Sidney and the whole team behind OMAN AIR MAJAN. This is an amazing feat and everyone in Oman is very proud of this great achievement. This a new team, a new boat and a new skipper who have proven to the whole world that they are record breakers. A huge well done from sunny Oman to Sidney and the superb technical & shore team behind him.'

Oman Air Majan Facts
Length: 32 meters (105 feet)
Width: 16.50 meters (54 feet)
Largest Sail: 550 m ²
Built: Boatspeed, Australia
Assembled: Salalah, Oman