Sailboat Atlantic Record Contender Waits in Newport

Following an 8-day trial voyage from La Trinité-sur-Mer (France), during which substantial information was obtained, Spindrift 2, the maxi-trimaran, has arrived at Rhode Island harbour, and waits for favorable weather before attacking the North Atlantic sailboat record.

Co-skippers Dona Bertarelli and Yann Guichard and their crew now enter the critical phase of meticulously monitoring the weather. They must wait for the best window to launch their attempt to break the crewed North Atlantic record between New York and Lizard Point (England).

With 3 days, 15 hours and 25 minutes (at an average of 32.94 knots) to beat, the challenge is daunting and will require optimal sailing conditions. If the weather permits, the team will also go for the ‘Zenith by Spindrift racing 24-hour record’, aiming to improve on the existing record of 908 miles, itself an impressive distance, equivalent to two Marseille-Carthage (Tunisia) crossings in 24 hours.

Spindrift 2’s elegant black, white and gold 40-metre hulls certainly attract their fair share of attention. Newport has been part of sailing history for many years, in particular with the America's Cup, but also in connection with other oceanic records.

Less than 200 miles from New York and the Ambrose Light, Rhode Island, where the start-line for this record commences, benefits from a good geographical position and offers exceptional infrastructure. As such, it is considered an ideal base for technical preparation.