Oman Air smashes Round Britain and Ireland record
by Lucy Harwood 24 Aug 2010 16:42 BST
19-24 August 2010
Sidney Gavignet (FRA) onboard Oman Air Majan crosses the finish line off Lizard Point, Cornwall to smash the single handed Round Britain and Ireland record © Mark Lloyd /
www.lloydimages.com
At 09:03:55 GMT today (24/08/10) skipper Sidney Gavignet (FRA) onboard OMAN AIR MAJAN crossed the finish line off Lizard Point, Cornwall to smash the single handed Round Britain and Ireland record. The A100 trimaran broke the existing record held by Thomas Coville by a massive 1 day 15 hours 30 minutes and 44 seconds.
This incredible achievement also means Sidney has beaten the existing fully crewed record time by 1 hour and 7 seconds. This record was set by Steve Fosset onboard Playstation in 2002.
The record attempt has seen OMAN AIR MAJAN sail 1,787 miles along one of the most challenging coastlines in the world. Sidney has tackled huge low pressure systems and sailed through squalls of over 40 knots. This is the first major test for OMAN AIR MAJAN and Sidney ahead of the single handed Route du Rhum race this coming November.
New single handed Round Britain and Ireland record: (subject to ratification by WSSRC)
Distance miles: 1,787
Boat: OMAN AIR MAJAN - 100 foot trimaran
Skipper: Sidney Gavignet (FRA)
Record time: 4 days, 15 hours, 9 minutes, 47 seconds (subject to ratification by WSSRC)
Previous record around Britain and Ireland, Non stop singlehanded:
Distance miles: 1,787
Set: August 2006
Boat: Sodebo - 60 foot Trimaran
Record time: 6 days, 6 hours, 40 miniutes, 31 seconds
Average speed: 11.86 knots
Round Britain and Ireland fully crewed record:
Distance miles: 1787
Set: October 2002
Boat: Playstation - 125 foot Catamaran
Record time: 4 days, 16 hours, 9 minutes, 54 seconds
Quote from skipper Sidney Gavignet:
"I am incredibly happy, this record around British Isles is the cherry on the cake for all team at OMAN AIR MAJAN and Oman Sail. I've learnt so much from the boat. We made some good sail choices and I feel really happy with the setup onboard. I still have a lot to improve, managing my sleep onboard making sure I eat enough to keep myself in the best possible shape for the challenge ahead. The Route Du Rhum is going to be a huge race for us and I need to raise the level of my performance again for this event. The record attempt was a massive challenge and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Huge congratulations to the whole team we've done it!"