Fossett & Cheyenne demolish round the world record
by Fossett Challenges 5 Apr 2004 22:13 BST
58 days 9 hours 32 mins 45 secs after taking the start on February 7th, American skipper Steve Fossett and his international crew of 12 aboard the 125’ maxi-catamaran Cheyenne crossed the official WSSRC start-finish line here at Le Stiff lighthouse on the French island of Ouessant (Ushant). They have just demolished the 2 year old Round The World Sailing record - by almost 6 days (an improvement of 5d 23h 4m 39s). Their time topples the May, 2002 mark of Bruno Peyron and Orange I - and fulfils Fossett’s decade old ambition to achieve ‘the most important record in sailing’.
Steve Fossett Speaking from Cheyenne via satellite phone at the finish line:
"The past 24 hours were slow at first, but improving winds became very strong by the time we crossed the line with 2 reefs and staysail it was very dramatic we had our hands full - around this island the tides were whirling. Everyone is just so happy we are all emotionally drained. It’s quite a celebration. Everybody on this crew is absolutely delighted; this is a satisfying moment for all of us."
When asked if he ever thought he would not make it Steve said.
“When we started out I thought the chance was 50/50 that we would get around. Then I wondered that the boat might not be fast enough…”
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