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Comanche smashes Transatlantic record

28 Jul 2016

The Transatlantic record is smashed

A new transatlantic monohull record has been set, breaking the old record by more than a day.

The 2,880 nautical miles west to east crossing by Comanche took five days, 14 hours, 21 minutes 25 seconds, beating the record set by Mari Cha IV in 2003 of six days, 17 hours, 52 minutes and 39 seconds.

The average speed from New York to the Lizard in Cornwall was 21.44 knots.

Comanche is owned by Jim and Kristy Clark who were delighted with the crossing.

“Comanche was built to break ocean records and the guys have once again powered our fantastic fat-bottomed girl to another title,” said Mr Clark. “I am so proud of the entire team and everyone involved in the entire program from top to bottom, the best in world, getting the best out of Comanche. Perfect harmony and Kristy and I are over the moon.”

The boat had been on standby for several weeks prior to the record attempt, with a fluid rota of more than 30 sailors ready to set sail.

Skipper Ken Read was unable to take part as he was committed to TV commentating at the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series in Portsmouth but praised the crew and boat.

“This is the culmination of six years of hard work and a huge team of experts offshore and onshore all working as one,” he said.

“I never had any doubt this crew would deliver the goods – the boat was in perfect condition and the only thing that would scupper the record would be Mother Nature.

“Luckily she didn’t throw a spanner in the works and this team have once again proven why they are some of the best in the business.”

Navigator Stan Honey added: “There are only about two weather windows a year where a monohull can make it all the way across the Atlantic in one system, and we found one of them.

“Beating this record by more than a day is above my expectations and I am delighted.”

via Boating Business | Comanche smashes Transatlantic record.