Gabart sets new solo record
French offshore sailor François Gabart slashed more than six days off the previous solo round-the-world record set by Thomas Coville, crossing the finish line on December 17, 2017 after 42 days, 16 hours, 40 minutes and 35 seconds.
‘I had to keep up the pace and I’m really proud of my circumnavigation. I didn’t make too many mistakes. At the same time, I believe that we can still raise the level of the game and go much faster,’ said Gabart, after arriving at his homeport of Brest.
‘And that’s really inspiring. I am reserving this challenge for another time. There’s plenty more to do and to imagine, to sail fast on these boats,’ added the 2012-13 Vendée Globe winner. The World Sailing Speed Record Council has now ratified the 34 year old’s record.
Gabart’s Trimaran, Macif, covered a distance of 21,600 miles, at an average speed of 21.08 knots. Gabart said the boat finished the record-breaking voyage in ‘really good condition.’
‘On the face of it, everything withstood the weather, even though she had one hell of a battering. It was very violent. The boat was built wonderfully well,’ he noted.