Since the five-week voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1492, crossing the Atlantic Ocean, quickly and safely, between Europe and the Americas has always been an important issue. Today, the route has become a classic one among skippers. The record is one of the most prestigious, next to the Jules Verne Trophy, for which it is often a good preparation.
This record can be achieved both ways: from west to east or from east to west. It can also be homologated single-handed or crewed, on monohulls or on multihulls.
It is homologated, since 1972, by the WSSRC[1]
From west to east
This route is the fastest, as it follows the prevailing westerlies. It is the one that meets the most interest among skippers.
The crossing must be made from Ambrose Light of New York to an imaginary line linking Lizard Point, Cornwall to Ushant. The distance is around 2,880 nautical miles (5,330 km; 3,310 mi).
Roger Nilson(SWE), Bernard Stamm(SUI), Ludovic Aglaor, Florent Chastel, Pascal Bidégorry, Jacques Caraes (FRA), Ronan Le Goff, Jean-Baptiste Epron, Yann Guichard, Clément Surtel, Jean-Baptiste Le Vaillant
Groupama 3, previous record holder for both directions, from east to west and west to east, both crewed and singlehandedly under the name of IDEC Sport
This crossing is made between Cadiz and San Salvador Island, for a distance of 3,884 nautical miles (7,193 km). It was also called Route of the discovery in honor of Christopher Columbus and his 1492 crossing.
Skipper - Steve Fossett(USA), Dave Scully, Pete Melvin, Brian Thompson(GBR), Peter Hogg, Mark Featherstone, Dave Calvert, Mikaela Von Koskull, Will Howden, Tim Zimmermann, Nick Leggatt, Simon Fisher, Dave Thomson
Skipper - Dona Bertarelli(SUI) Co-Skipper - Yann Guichard(FRA) Xavier Revil, Jean Baptiste Le Vaillant, Antoine Carraz, Thierry Douillard, Christophe Espagnon, Sébastien Marsset, Nicolas Texier, Erwan Tabarly, François Morvan, Thomas Rouxel, Simone Gaeta, Erwan Israel
