Nine days ago, on Tuesday 17th July Alex Thomson set off from New York to attempt to break the West to East transatlantic single handed record which has stood at 10 days, 55 minutes and 19 seconds for 10 years. This morning Alex has just 110Nm to go !
Alex’s report from the boat this morning:
“ETA could be as early as 1700BST today. The light wind patch proved to be smaller than forecast and now the wind is more in the north, so I am currently tight reaching. Wind could easily go back to the Northeast but I can see the live data at the Scilly Isles which are only 6 hours away and I am hopeful the breeze will just increase. Lots of shipping and fishing boats around to keep me worried and awake. It would be really nice if I could finish before 1909 GMT and bring the record into the single digits, that’s what I am pushing for now. First sunrise this morning for many days, in fact first sun for many days and I am looking forward to the finish. ”
ALEX THOMSON ATTEMPTS ATLANTIC RECORD
British sailor, Alex Thomson set sail alone at 19.09GMT from New York to the UK, where he is looking to break the single-handed Atlantic record, and at the same time get home in time for the 2012 London Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.
The current record for what is officially known as the ‘West to East Ambrose Lighthouse to Lizard Point Under 60ft Single-Handed Monohull Record, Male’ sits at 10 days, 55 minutes and 19 seconds, and was set by Swiss sailor Bernhard Stamm 10 years ago.
“This is actually part of my training for the single-handed round-the-world race, the Vendee Globe, in November,” said Alex. “But while I am doing it I wanted to set myself the challenge to beat the record at the same time.”
Alex will be on board his IMOCA 60 HUGO BOSS boat, which he will race in this year’s Vendee Globe. He is one of three British competitors who will take part in the non-stop, solo, unassisted round-the-world yacht race starting in Les Sables d’Olonne in France, on November 10th, where Alex will attempt to be the first non-French sailor to win. The single handed Atlantic trip has always been on the training schedule for Alex as he looks to prepare himself for the race known as the ‘Everest’ of sailing. Currently only 50% of attempts to complete the race have been successful.
From : Alex Thomson Racing
Credit : Ch.Launay
Alex’s report from the boat this morning:
“ETA could be as early as 1700BST today. The light wind patch proved to be smaller than forecast and now the wind is more in the north, so I am currently tight reaching. Wind could easily go back to the Northeast but I can see the live data at the Scilly Isles which are only 6 hours away and I am hopeful the breeze will just increase. Lots of shipping and fishing boats around to keep me worried and awake. It would be really nice if I could finish before 1909 GMT and bring the record into the single digits, that’s what I am pushing for now. First sunrise this morning for many days, in fact first sun for many days and I am looking forward to the finish. ”
ALEX THOMSON ATTEMPTS ATLANTIC RECORD
British sailor, Alex Thomson set sail alone at 19.09GMT from New York to the UK, where he is looking to break the single-handed Atlantic record, and at the same time get home in time for the 2012 London Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.
The current record for what is officially known as the ‘West to East Ambrose Lighthouse to Lizard Point Under 60ft Single-Handed Monohull Record, Male’ sits at 10 days, 55 minutes and 19 seconds, and was set by Swiss sailor Bernhard Stamm 10 years ago.
“This is actually part of my training for the single-handed round-the-world race, the Vendee Globe, in November,” said Alex. “But while I am doing it I wanted to set myself the challenge to beat the record at the same time.”
Alex will be on board his IMOCA 60 HUGO BOSS boat, which he will race in this year’s Vendee Globe. He is one of three British competitors who will take part in the non-stop, solo, unassisted round-the-world yacht race starting in Les Sables d’Olonne in France, on November 10th, where Alex will attempt to be the first non-French sailor to win. The single handed Atlantic trip has always been on the training schedule for Alex as he looks to prepare himself for the race known as the ‘Everest’ of sailing. Currently only 50% of attempts to complete the race have been successful.
From : Alex Thomson Racing
