In the absence of ocean racing this first half of the year, Ian Lipinski, skipper of the Class40 Crédit Mutuel has set himself a fine challenge: a record attempt in the solo round the British Isles race.
Setting out on 2 July 2020 at 6 hours 21 minutes and 25 seconds from Cap Lizard, it completed its course this Friday 10 July at 00 hours 12 minutes and 13 seconds. He thus sets a new reference time of 7 days 17 hours 50 minutes 48 seconds (subject to validation by the World Sailing Speed Record Council), and improves on Phil Sharp's record (who completed this course with a crew in the 2018 Race Around Britain and Ireland) by 10 hours 24 minutes 1 second.
And yet nothing was won since two days before, Ian had accumulated a 150 mile deficit on the reference time.
"Breaking that record was a real challenge for the shore team and for me. We had the boat, the technique and the will, but the sea always brings its share of surprises. We achieved this result at the price of a total and uncompromising investment, thanks to the constant commitment of my entire team, the support of all our friends and the undeniable qualities of Class40 Crédit Mutuel" explains Ian Lipinski.
The sailor is now expected in Cherbourg in the afternoon.
