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17 September 2002, 05:34 pm

Maiden II Smashes Channel Record

World Speed Sailing Record Council

Dinard

Maiden 2, on the back of her recent demolition of the Round Britain and Ireland Record, has broken yet another record previously held by Steve Fossett.

The 138 mile course from Cowes, Isle of Wight, across the English Channel to Dinard on the French coast had previously been completed in 6 hours 21 minutes and 48 seconds at an average speed of 24.38 knots by Steve Fossett and Playstation in December 2001.

Maiden II, skippered by Brian Thompson and Helena Darvelid, completed the same course in 5 hours 23 minutes and 38 seconds, at an average speed of 25.58 knots over the duration of the attempt. Finishing at 13:44.04 GMT, Maiden II beat the Playstation set record by 58 minutes and 16 seconds.

This record is Maiden II's fourth record in the last four months, these records include the Antigua to Newport record and the Round Britain and Ireland record.

WSSRC/ ISAF News Editor

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