Francis Joyon struck a big blow on July 12, 2017, defeating the North Atlantic Record (which had already belonged to him since 2013) in 5 days 2 hours and 7 minutes on Idec Sport. A record that he won "à l'arrache", without any preparation, and for his first solo sailing on his maxi-trimaran IDEC SPORT, aboard which he won the Jules Verne Trophy last winter.
That's all it took to whet the appetite of another "record hunter", Thomas Coville, single-handed round-the-world sailing record holder since December 2016. Indeed, the skipper of Sodebo Ultim' left New York on 11 July at 8:19 am (French time), with the aim of reaching Cape Lizard (tip of England and the record finish line) before Sunday 16 July 10:26 am (French time).
With averages at 29 knots and peaks at 33/34 knots, Thomas Coville quickly built up a lead over Francis Joyon. In fact, on 14th July, he confided, "I'm very pleased with the results I'm having a terrible time. I like to trim and maneuver the boat. I draw a long line after it's a little confusing. I lose track, because not sleeping, it's like I'm having blackouts. I can see the weather situation very well. My course is clear, but the events are blending together."
Unlike Francis Joyon, it was with his router, Jean-Luc Nélias, that the skipper decided to attempt this record. In fact, the latter is working several times a day on the weather files he receives before sending them to Thomas Coville on the boat. He studies the route to follow with him, but it's the sailor who makes the final choice with what he observes on the water, according to his fatigue and his feelings.
By arriving this Saturday 15th July at 19h 29min, he will have completed the solo crossing of the North Atlantic in 4 days 11 hours 10 minutes 23 seconds. With this exceptional time for a solo sailor, he beats Francis Joyon's very recent time of July 13th by 15 hours 45 minutes 47 seconds.
After crossing the line, Thomas Coville will remain at sea all night with his team, who will join him on board to take the boat to its home port of La Trinité-sur-Mer .
Sodebo Ultim' will present itself at the entrance of the channel of Trinité sur Mer (Morbihan) on Sunday afternoon around 16h00 for an arrival at the pontoon at 17h00.
