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02.06.2009 Back to news

Mediterranean monohull record - Groupe Bel will set off this evening

The west-northwest wind is progressively lifting off the coast of Marseille. It should reach 15-20 knots this evening. To give himself every opportunity in this Mediterranean record attempt (Marseille/Carthage), Kito de Pavant and his team have decided to put off the start for a few hours, initially planned for around 14:00. The Groupe Bel monohull will leave the Vieux Port at around 16:00 today, and will cross the starting line at around 18:00.

The wind direction will enable Groupe Bel to head South of Sardinia on a single tack. The monohull should then have a west wind for the second part of the course to Tunisia.

"This record means a lot to me. The Mediterranean has always been my back yard and, today, to be able to attempt this quick crossing single-handed on board a high performing boat such as Groupe Bel, is a really fine challenge. It is also a way of turning the Vendée Globe page* and starting this new season with a real technical and competitive challenge. Of course, I hope to open the way in style so that other skippers of the IMOCA Class will quickly follow my lead" said the Groupe Bel skipper.

EXISTING RECORDS:

Multihull with crew:
Franck Cammas on Groupama 3 (16/05/09) in 17hrs, 8 min, 23 sec (26.72 kts)
Monohull with crew:
Giovanni Agnelli on Stealth (Sept.1998) in 1day, 5hrs, 2 min, 6 sec (15.77 kts)
Monohull single-handed:
Michel Kleinjans on Roaring Forty (March 2008) in 1 day, 21 hrs,24 min (10 kts)