Quentin Debois is expected to break the solo Atlantic crossing record

Quentin Debois set for Transatlantic record on Tuesday 6 January © Jean-Baptiste D'enquin

Belgian skipper Quentin Debois (38) expects to cross the finish line during the night between Friday and Saturday, January 31, at around 1 a.m. Belgian time (7 p.m. Bahamian time). This is, of course, to be confirmed, as it is an estimate based on current routing information.

If this date is confirmed, he will have broken the record for a solo east-west Atlantic crossing in 24 days and a few hours, six days ahead of the current record of 30 days and 22 hours.

On Thursday, January 29, Quentin had covered 92% of the Atlantic crossing, with a 133-hour lead over the world record.

Since January 22, Quentin has been sailing in wind conditions that are generally very favourable for speed.

The first few days were marked by fast and steady sailing, with a southwesterly course that was perfectly clear on the track.

The strategic objective for the week was to pass under an anticyclonic ridge, then sail back up to cross a second one. This manoeuvrer, which was tricky in terms of weather, was carried out with precision. Quentin remained in stable winds of 13 to 14 knots, with gusts around 18 knots, often under spinnaker, which allowed him to maintain very good averages.

Crossing the ridge then led to a temporarily slower phase, with weaker and changing winds. Quentin had to regularly adjust his sails and his sailing angle to continue progressing westward, while preserving his equipment.

During the night of January 27 to 28, Quentin crossed a weather front, a decisive stage in the race. Despite more unstable conditions and a few gusts, the passage went well. Since then, he has found more sustained wind and a direct route to the finish.

Sails have a hard life

In recent days, gusts of wind have put a lot of strain on the sails on board. Several damages have been noted:

• The Code 5 torn: a sail designed for sailing in a broad reach (downwind)
• The first Spi Max has also suffered a tear and is no longer usable
• The second Spi Max has been damaged over 50 cm but has been sewn up by Quentin

Next steps

After the front passed, Quentin is now engaged in the final days of sailing towards the finish line.

The next few hours will still require vigilance, particularly in an area where gusts are forecast, but the trajectory is clear and in line with the established plan.

The past week confirms the soundness of the preparation and the consistency of the strategic choices.

Quentin is progressing methodically, patiently, and with commitment, remaining focused until the end.

Belgium will have its first solo Atlantic crossing world champion!

The record will only be official once it has been certified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC) thanks to the official Black Box on board, a GPS device that is essential for certification.