Yvan Bourgnon and his son Mathis have embarked on a record summer. After the Mediterranean one on 11 July 2018, they set off this morning for a new challenge, crossing the English Channel on their Nacra F20. The two sailors crossed the starting line at 3 h 50 min 30 s local time (4 h 50 min 30 s French time) to cross these 150 miles (approx 280 km) between Cowes (south of England), north of the island of Wight, very close to Portsmouth and the finish line which is located near Dinard and Saint-Malo in North Brittany.
The record is currently held since 2006, by David Leon in 31 h 38 min 40 s However, Yvan explains that this record is easy to beat for boats under 20 feet "So we're here to set a nice reference time for the next candidates" yvan explains. The skipper and his son hope to reach Dinard in less than 15 hours.
While they were supposed to leave this Sunday August 5, the weather deteriorated, forcing father and son to take the departure this Saturday August 4 at dawn. The first two hours have been without wind, but since the meter is at 17 knots. Conditions should be NE'ly, turning E'ly, 10 to 15 knots.
And for these particular conditions of crossing, Yvan & Mathis chose to add, to the equipment of the boat, a jib (headsail). A sail they hadn't taken for their Mediterranean record. For the Channel crossing, a jib will be more suitable for wind conditions and crosswinds, and good full
The vessel was also lightened and the two men took on only one spinnaker, and removed one wing, as they bet to be port tack all the way across.
This crossing of the English Channel is a body of water well known to Yvan. Indeed, he remains, with his brother Laurent, holder of the world record since 1997, with Primagaz (category - 60 feet) in 7 h 34 min 54 s,
