Francis Joyon is getting set to try for a new solo Atlantic record
Moored just a short distance from the Statue of Liberty, Francis Joyon’s trimaran, IDEC, has been attracting a lot of attention from curious pedestrians walking alongside the Manhattan Sailing Club Marina. Joyon arrived in New York without any hitch, bringing the boat here all by himself.
“Although I’m not usually very on urban landscapes, I must admit that here there’s every reason to be impressed,” said Joyon, who in 2004 set the solo round the world record at 72 days 22 hours 54 minutes and 22 seconds.
Between the Statue of Liberty and Ground Zero, just 200 metres from her bows, the IDEC trimaran is resting in the shelter of North Cove Marina, and making the most of her first New-York stopover.
For the moment, the skipper is tidying things up on board, while on the quayside, people are gathering to take a look at the big red trimaran. “I’m surprised,” Francis added, “as lots of people are coming to see me, and clearly, they know about the boat. I would never have guessed that, and it’s rather nice. In fact, for the time being, I’m spending quite a bit of time talking to the inquisitive strollers.”
The official stand-by period will begin as planned on 10 April, but for the moment, after talking things over with his router, Jean-Yves Bernot, it would appear that it is unlikely there will be a window of opportunity for the time being.
Atlantic record : the important figures
? New York – The Lizard route (theoretical distance calculated by the WSSRC) : 2925 miles (5,417 km)
? Single-handed record: Laurent Bourgnon, Primagaz, 7 days 2 hours 34 minutes 42 seconds (June 1994)
? 24-hour single handed record: Laurent Bourgnon, Primagaz, 540 miles (June 1994)