Geronimo sets a cracking pace

33 hours and approximately 480 miles after the 110 ft ocean racer Geronimo, the Capgemini and Schneider Electric trimaran, crossed the start line off Los Angeles the maxi multihull has covered 330 miles in the first 24 hours, averaging 13.75 knots boat speed and is currently averaging 21.4 knots boat speed seven hours into day two. Aiming to break the current record for this transpacific trip held by another multihull, Geronimo is looking good and sailing well in the current conditions.

The decision to restart has paid off for Geronimo’s 11 man crew who are working hard to capitalise on every opportunity they are given, given the weather patterns that they are currently experiencing.

Sailing overnight in 35-40 knots of breeze from the North - Nor'West, she is reaching boat speeds of 27 - 30 knots on her way towards Hawaii. If Geronimo’s men can maintain their current speed they are looking good to set a new WSSRC record for this transpacific ocean passage which currently stands at five days, nine hours, 18 minutes and 26 seconds.

‘The sea is settling in this instable weather. We have two reefs in the main and a trinquette (Number 3 headsail) doing 27-30 knots boat speed into a difficult sea with the breeze coming on the beam. The moon is huge and there is violent movements of the clouds in the sky. The moon reflects on the black waves and the wave tops, which light up in the magnificent night. We need to get as far west as soon as possible, the starboard float takes off suddenly, too high in the sky and the grinding noise of the ropes easing on the winches. The heart stops, then Geronimo starts again, splendid, furious and plenty of wet white foam over the forward crossbeam. The noise of the winches taking up the sheets is very loud and Didier Ragot, totally wet and hilarious remains concentrated on this acrobatic glide and moans ‘It’s absolutely smoking’,’ commented skipper Olivier de Kersauson from onboard Geronimo today.

Welcoming Geronimo at the finish will be the Hawaii Yacht Club and finish sponsor West Marine. West Marine the world's largest boating supply retailer started in a garage in California in 1968 when Randy Repass began selling nylon rope by mail order under the name West Coast Ropes. Today, West Marine has more than 400 West Marine stores and Boat U.S. Marine Centres in 38 USA states, Puerto Rico and Canada. Carrying a selection of more than 100 000 products, ranging from rope to the latest in marine electronics, West Marine also supplies boaters in more than 150 countries worldwide through its mail order and internet divisions.