François Gabart – Around The World In 42 Days

Around The World In 42 Days

French sailor François Gabart beat the previous solo around-the-world record of Thomas Coville by six days and 10 hours. The 101-foot trimaran crossed the finish line on December 17th, 2017 setting the new solo round-the-world record at 42 days, 16 hours, 40 minutes, and 35 seconds.

Skipper Gabart set another record when he sailed an amazing 851 nautical miles in a 24 hour period, beating out his own world record benchmark of 784 that he previously set onboard MACIF.  He also picked up several other benchmark times along the way.

Ouessant to Cape of Good Hope: 12 days 20 hours 10 minutes
Tasmania to Cape Horn: 7 days 15 hours 15 minutes
Cape Horn to the Equator: 6 days 22 hours 15 minutes

François Gabart's 101ft Trimaran "MACIF"
François Gabart’s 101ft Trimaran “MACIF”

François Gabart’s 101ft Trimaran “MACIF”

Gabart’s trimaran “MACIF” is 101 ft long, 68 ft across, weighs 14.5 tonnes, and has sail areas of 6996 square feet. She has a huge rotating wing mast that is canted to windward to generate more power while reducing the downward force on the leeward float. The boat also has a retractable V-shaped foil in each float and the pitch can be adjusted manually (automatic ride correction is banned by the record committee).

Achievements on Board the MACIF Trimaran:

2017: Single-handed round the world record in 42 days, 16 hours, 40 minutes and 35 seconds
Winner of The Bridge, with the crew, in 08 days, 00 hours, 31 minutes and 20 seconds
Winner with the crew of the ArMen Race USHIP

2016: Winner of The Transat Bakerly, in 08 days, 08 hours, 54 minutes and 39 seconds

2015: Winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre, in 12 days, 17 hours, 29 minutes, and 27 seconds, with Pascal Bidégorry

Ships Captain The Dread Pirate Dave

David is the Editor in Chief of Postcards From the Edge. I was born on a cold November morning on the showy plains of Colorado. Like my father, before me, I am an American Nomad.

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