Steve FOSSETT and the rest of the crew aboard Cheyenne smashed the WSSRC Round-the-world non-stop record by nearly six days today as they crossed the start/finish line between Ushant and the Lizard this afternoon.
Her time of 58 days, 9 hours, 32 minutes and 45 seconds is a full 5 days, 23 hours, four minutes and 39 seconds faster than the 2002 record set by Bruno PEYRON (FRA) and his crew aboard the Maxi-cat Orange. Cheyenne's time is subject to ratification by the World Sailing Speed Record Council.
The boat and record breaking team are now en-route to their starting and finishing Port of Plymouth on the South Coast of England, where they will touch dry land for the first time in over two months.
All the way around the planet on their epic journey the crew and boat have faced challenges ranging from the flat calms, instant squalls and unpredictable wind of the doldrums, to the icebergs, bleak wind and waves, and bitter cold of the Southern Ocean, with the ever-present risks of hull ripping icebergs.
As well as the natural phenomena testing physical and mental health, there have been the mechanical difficulties that they have had to overcome. Gear failure nearly ended their attempt on more than one occasion but skill and resolve, as well as brilliant sailing skills and navigation enabled them to not only break the record, but to lower the bar, so to speak, to below 60 days around the world.
Further news, and Cheyenne's full story will be brought to you, as well as photos of their finish, when they become available, meanwhile, visit the Fossett Challenges at the address below for the latest updates.