Helly Hansen

"14th July at 1400 hours UT, after 5 days and 2 hours of racing, the trimaran Sodeb'O skippered by Thomas Coville was just 258 miles from completing the North Atlantic crossing record and had a 313 mile lead over the record set by Francis Joyon in 2005. The trimaran was making good speed towards the finish this afternoon at an average of 20 knots pushed by 10 to 15 knots of wind. Thomas may well cross the line between 0800 and 1200 UT. The trimaran will then head for the port of Brest where she will be welcomed at the end of the day, between 1600 and 2000 hours UT. However, the weather situation is likely to make things very tense for the tired skipper and his team of routers onshore, as the wind will drop in the coming hours. Currently due West the wind is right on his tail and had already forced Thomas to gybe several times last night, taking him away from the direct course but enabling him to maintain a good speed. These exhausting tacks to reposition himself on the course have nevertheless enabled him to save time in relation to the initial routing. Sodeb'O is set to round the SW tip of Ireland this evening, Monday 14th July 2008 at the end of the day. After that there will be some final tacks as far as Lizard Point (SW tip of England and the finish line of the North Atlantic record). Tonight, it's the same pattern of sailing as last night for Thomas Coville, namely some gybes in 10 to 15 knots of breeze. "He should go quicker than planned as there is more pressure" explained Thierry Douillard this afternoon, the latter a fine regatta sailor and member of the routing team who concluded "he still has a lot more work on his hands. He's really going to have to go and hunt down this record. As a result Thomas is working really hard and the weather conditions are favourable but not exceptional since the start". Setting out on Wednesday 9th July at 1147 UT from New York (Ambrose Light), Thomas Coville must cross the finish line tomorrow Tuesday 15th July before 1547 UT to beat Francis Joyon's record of 6 days, 4 hours, 1 minute and 37 seconds Text from Scuttlebutt Europe"