The best of luck to Isle of Wight sailor Brian Thompson and his crew who look set to beat the world record in the next 24 hours for the fastest circumnavigation of the world by any type of yacht.
Brian is the only Brit onboard the maxi trimaran Banque Populaire V, which is being skippered by Frenchman Loïck Peyron.
Jules Verne Trophy
We’re told that they expect to cross the Jules Verne Trophy finish line sometime between between 21:00hrs GMT today (Friday 6th) and 23:00hrs GMT on Saturday.
There are fourteen onboard who have all worked extremely hard to smash the existing record, held by Groupama 3 (48 days 7 hours 44 minutes and 52 seconds), by nearly three days.
Further records for Brian
If the team complete the challenge as predicted, Brian will become the first Briton to circumnavigate the globe non-stop for a fourth time, beating existing records held by fellow sailors Dee Caffari MBE and Mike Golding OBE.
With just a few hours to the finish line. Brian said, “We are all in great spirits now as we push for the finish near Brest. Our goal was to set a new world record and, if we do, it will be true testament to the hard work of the entire crew over the last 45 days. I am very much looking forward to stepping back on land and we have timed it just right to miss the last of the left over Christmas turkey!”
Best of luck to all onboard.
