Sailing record
January 8, 2012
French skipper Loick Peyron and his 13 crew members set a new world sailing record on Friday, circumnavigating the globe in just 45 days, 13 hours and 42 minutes.
The 40-meter Maxi Banque Populaire V vessel crossed the line of departure in the northwestern French port of Brest to win the Jules Verne Trophy for setting a record on a non-stop, round-the-world race.
"To sail around the world in 45 days you've got to be at your limits very often," Peyron, 52, told reporters. "It's liberating. You feel emotion, the satisfaction of a job well done, he added."
Peyron and his crew were welcomed to shore by a flotilla of boats, fanfares and cheering crowds. French President Nicolas Sarkozy also reportedly telephoned Peyron to offer his congratulations.
The record was previously held by France's Franck Cammas who travelled the globe in 2010 in 48 days seven hours and 44 minutes aboard the Groupama III.
Cammas, who is currently taking part in the multi-stage Volvo Ocean Race, praised the 14 crew members. "They kept the rhythm going and finished more than two days ahead," he said. "It's clearly a superb performance."
Author: Charlotte Chelsom-Pill (AFP, Reuters, AP)
Editor: Andrew Bowen