François Gabart Prepares for Solo Transatlantic Record

(July 1, 2016) – François Gabart (FRA) has been on standby for a month, but now he is about to cast off to sail the 30-meter MACIF trimaran single-handed in an attempt to beat the North Atlantic crossing record between New York and Lizard Point, held for the last three years by Francis Joyon, who sailed it in 5 days, 2 hours, 56 minutes and 10 seconds.

A weather window looked possible early in the week and was confirmed on Wednesday, June 29. Gabart and his team arrived in New York on Thursday morning, with the departure procedure stepped up to level 4 today. The MACIF trimaran should cast off at about 18.00 (French time – UT +1) to take up position on the departure line between 23.00 and 02.00 tomorrow morning (French time UT +1).

“We have been watching a weather window since last weekend and it has progressed favourably,” explained Gabart, constantly in touch with his router, Jean-Yves Bernot. “Initially, it did not look easy, with just a light breeze, but the situation has improved. Now the goal is to take up position to the front of an ideally located area of wind, south of the ice floe area, which seems to be diminishing on account of the double effect of the Gulf Stream and the southerly wind. The only question is how fast this low pressure area is moving. I hope that luck will be on our side. I will have the right weather till the end to beat the record.”

François Gabart

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MACIF trimaran 2016 programme
July 13–19: Brest Maritime Festival
September/October: On standby for Mediterranean Record attempt

MACIF trimaran specs
Official name: MACIF
Architects: VLP
Construction: CDK Technologies (project management), Multiplast (Central hull, mainsheet traveller)
Launch date: 18 August 2015
Length: 30 m
Beam: 21 m
Max draught: 4.5 m
Number of centreboards: 3
Air draught: 35 m
Sail area upwind: 430 m²
Sail area downwind: 650m² (777 sq. yd.)