Sailing Magazine
And they’re off! Frances Joyon, on the big red trimaran ‘IDEC Sport’ cross the start line early this morning (Sunday 22 November 2015) and will have to cross the same line in under 45 days, or 6 January 2016, to have his name written on the prestigious Jules Verne Trophy.
It was at lunchtime today (Saturday) that the suspense concerning the weather opportunity came to an end in the harbour in Brest, when Francis Joyon and his crew of five gave the green light, meaning that the start was imminent. A few hours later, they cast off aboard the big, red trimaran to make their way out of the Brest inlet : “We are gambling on the weather situation in the South Atlantic becoming favourable. When an opportunity arises, you have to grab it,” said a smiling Francis Joyon. And then, they were off on their way to Ushant.
There was no time for relaxing or farewells as to beat the record they will need to average 20 knots on the Great Circle Route.
The crew of IDEC SPORT, all top helmsmen are:
Francis Joyon (FRA)
Bernard Stamm (SUI)
Gwénolé Gahinet (FRA)
Alex Pella (ESP)
Clément Surtel (FRA)
Boris Herrmann (GER)
