On 3 February 2004 Francis JOYON conquered the world and gave France a new sailing hero. Joyon smashed the Round the World, Non-Stop Single-Handed Record on the 90 foot trimaran 'Idec' shattering the previous record by more than 20 days, and completing his 21,760 course around the globe at an average speed of 12.42 knots.

The record of 72 days, 22 hours, 54 minutes and 22 seconds set by Joyon is going to be an extremely tough one to beat. Joyon's achievement is phenomenal and all the more so as he proved he can sail this powerful maxi-multihull, which was originally designed for a crew of eight, single-handed and maintain averages almost equal to a complete crew.

To achieve a single-handed non-stop voyage round the world is an incredible feat, to complete it in the time Francis did, just goes to show what is possible with determination, strength and courage.

The Achievement of Francis Joyon

WR - Round the World, Non-Stop, Single-Handed Record, November 2003-February 2004 - 72d, 22h, 54m and 22s

Name	Francis Joyon
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Profession
Website	www.trimaran-idec.com
Age started sailing
First boat sailed
Age started racing
First boat raced
What inspired you to take up sailing?
How did you buy your first boat?
Which was your first sailing club?
First Event competed in and Year
First Event won and Year
Principle achievements
Detail the personal highlights of your sailing career to date
What are your future sailing aspirations?
Briefly state what sailing means to you
Who has had the greatest impact or inspiration in your sailing career and why?
Who do you consider to be your sailing hero?
What other sports do you participate in outside of sailing?
Who do you consider to be the greatest sailor in the World and why?
Briefly state what being nominated for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award 2004 means to you
If voted as the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year 2004, briefly say what will this mean to you?