A French captain and his crew of nine have set a new record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe by sail, crossing the finish line this past Saturday 48 days, 7 hours, 44 minutes and 52 seconds after they started back at the end of January. The new record bests the old one, set in 2005, by 2 days, 8 hours, 35 minutes.
The multi-hulled Groupama 3 is captained by Franck Cammas, who ESPN quotes as saying, "he new record can be improved." The ship was slowed by poor weather, which is what led to that comment, although I'd have to think that you have to factor in poor weather on any cruise of this length and type.
The 105-foot long Groupama 3 set sail from Brest, France back on January 31st, and sailed south around the Capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin and Horn in its quest to set the new record. And by accomplishing that task, it earned the crew the Jules Verne Trophy, which goes to the fastest team to circumnavigate the planet. I can't help but wonder what Mr. Verne would think of our ability in this day and age to sail around the globe in less than 50 days. Spending 80 seems downright luxurious.
Congrats to the captain and his crew.
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