Jour 3 – Route de la Découverte – Maxi Solo…

Armel Le Cléac’h and the maxi trimaran Banque Populaire VII Solo have set a new singlehanded distance sailing record for the distance sailed in 24 hours.

The new record mark (yet to be ratified by the World Speed Sailing Council) for sailing 24 hours alone is 677nm or 1253 km at a stunning 28.20 knots average speed.

The record was set as part of a longer distance record attempt on the Discovery Route between Cadiz (Spain) and San Salvador (Bahamas ).

Currently Armel Le Cléac’h is in a position which is 311.3 miles ahead of the reference path. But there is still 2283.5 miles to sail before Banque Populaire finishes the course.

Le Cléac’h was naturally thrilled to have set a new record. ‘It’s perfect, it’s great! ‘ he said. ‘The distance record is beaten in 24 hours! From the Canary Islands, the conditions are conducive to speed even if I remain cautious. The sea is in the right direction and my trimaran is almost as fast as the wind (about 30 knots) while I’m still on the same side. This record was one of our goals on the Discovery Route from late May or between New York and the Lizard. Today, it is in the pocket. ‘

The previous 24 hour mark was set by Francis Joyon at 666.2 miles. The Discovery Route course is 3884 miles and the record is also held by Francis Joyon since February 2013 8d 16h 07m ’05secs, or 18.66 knots average .