Club Med. 625 miles in 24 hours !!!
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Less than 1 month after launching, the maxi-catamaran Club Med designed by the Gilles Ollier Design Team and built by Multiplast, has beaten the world record for the greatest distanced sailed in 24 hours.
In qualification for The Race on the East / West Atlantic course between Cadiz (Spain) and San Salvador (Bahamas/Usa), Club Med is the first yacht to break the 600 miles in 24 hours barrier, exactly 625.7 miles (1158 km). On starboard tack, the giant multihull was sailing apparent wind abeam with full main (or single reef) and solent jib. The wind was oscillating between 23 and 27 knots. On deck, a minimum of 8 people on watch (out of 14 on board) was requisitioned, all with sheets in hand.
Bruno Peyron and Grant Dalton
"...it was impressive despite the waves, to note the perfect balance of the boat, with her windward hull just eased out of the water, allowing us to further increase speed. For 24 hours, we pushed the boat to 90/95% of her possibilities and 100% for the last 8 hours. It's incredible to think that less than one month after launching, Club Med should be capable of beating the pure speed record. It's the best test of reliability that we could possibly do..."
At 08.00 this morning, the two co-skippers separately called the Gilles Ollier Design Team to testify to their immense satisfaction for the good work achieved. Now the objective is to beat the record for this Atlantic crossing held by Jet Services V (Ollier design, Multiplast built) since 1988 and to qualify for The Race. Just for the reminder, last February, another Ollier/Multiplast catamaran Polpharma-Warta (Ex-Explorer) attempted this record and if it wasn't for a dismasting 500 miles from the finish, would have added it to their track record. But nevertheless the Polish catamaran managed to be first to qualify for The Race under jury rig.