Joyon & Crew Restart Record Attempt

At 08:19:00 UTC in the first glimmer of dawn light this morning, IDEC Sport crossed the start line off Ushant (Ouessant) Island in the English Channel. The 104-ft trimaran was sailing at more than 20 knots as she began her dash to grab the outright round-the-world record. The six men on board must return by 22:00:53 UTC on Monday, January 30, to improve upon the time set in January 2012 by Loïck Peyron’s crew and thus claim the Jules Verne Trophy.

The six men had previously started their record attempt on November 20, but turned around to await a better weather window. See www.idecsport-sailing.com.

Meanwhile, Thomas Coville is sailing up the Atlantic in his 102-ft trimaran, Sobedo Ultim’, 40 days into his attempt to break Joyon’s solo around-the-world record. He’s been ahead of the record since his start on November 6, and although he slowed down considerably during the past week, he never fell behind. Having left the coast of Brazil in his wake, he has covered more than 500 miles in the past 24 hours. Track him at www.tour-du-monde.sodebo.com.