Oceanracing 2007 - Rekordfahrt von Francis Joyon mit Trimaran IDEC

Rekordversuch von Francis Joyon mit Trimaran IDEC
www.trimaran-idec.com - Übersicht

Sunday 13th January
Press Release
A day of high tension

In the heart of the Atlantic Ocean far off the islands of Cape Verde, Francis Joyon is getting ready to enter the strongest trade winds, which are blowing from the north-east and the shores of Morocco. Last night was a quiet one with no major incidents except a violent squall shaking IDEC about in the middle of the night. After spending 48 very difficult hours getting out of the Doldrums, then having to deal with the starboard shroud fixation, Francis Joyon finally managed to take it a bit easier and get some rest, which was certainly something he required. With the trade wind strengthening, it is now the sea state, which is more "aggressive" in the words of Francis Joyon, which will make the trimaran’s headway tougher, with some violent slamming into the swell, which is becoming increasingly high.

Then, there is the additional stress, knowing that his weakened mast is going to be put under more strain. There is no way for the moment he can carry out the "strapping operation" around the damaged part at the start of this 52nd day at sea. There are now just over 2500 nautical miles to cover, 2500 giant steps for IDEC and Francis, both of whom are quite capable of handling such adversity.

"The wind was steadier during the night," explained Francis, "And I managed to keep her going at an average of 16 or 17 knots, while getting a little rest." Serene and measured in his words, Joyon expresses nonetheless the presence of the sword of Damocles hanging over them with the damaged mast. "I’m still upwind and the boat is banging around. With the strengthening trade wind, the seas are going to get rougher and I still need to find the right compromise to avoid increasing the risk of dismasting." Francis thus reduced the amount of canvas hoisted this morning. He has accepted not to hug he wind as closely as he probably would have done in normal circumstances. "I’m on a bearing of 345, while the direct route is 30, he explained. IDEC is going the longer way around, but this enables the trimaran to sail more comfortably and with some good speeds, as she was making more than 18 knots this morning.

The shaft holding the starboard shroud in place was blocked with the meagre means Francis had at his disposal on board IDEC. Following talks between the single-handed yachtsman and the boat’s designers, Nigel Irens and Benoit Cabaret, on the one hand and the sailmakers, Samuel and Dominique Marsaudon on the other hand, one final attempt to secure the part is still possible. The idea is to wrap a belt around the mast, which would be strapped around the shroud fixation, limiting the strain on the spindle. It is therefore planned once again to go back up the 32-metre mast. But certainly not in the conditions he is experiencing today. Francis will have to wait for calmer seas and for the boat to be making steadier progress before he tackles this operation to secure the fixation.

Reminder of the records already set by the IDEC trimaran:
Start from Brest: Friday 23rd November at 10h05’52”GMT Brest / Equator : 06 days, 16 hours and 58 minutes Brest / Cape of Good Hope: 15 days, 7 hours and 16 minutes Brest / Cape Leeuwin : 22 days, 15 hours and 28 minutes Brest / Cape Horn : 35 days, 12 hours and 36 minutes Brest / Equator : 48 days, 2 hours and 18 minutes

Indian Ocean record: 09 days, 12 hours and 03 minutes* Pacific Ocean record: 10 days, 14 hours and 30 minutes* Equator-Equator record: 41 days, 08 hours and 19 minutes*
*Awaiting ratification by the WSSRC