Record Run

It's been often heard that sailing records lacked a precise and intelligible framework - yet the potential is fantastic in terms of interest : great stories, breathtaking images and footage, leaps forward on a technological level… Teams are currently starting new projects (see Groupama 3, or the Joyon and Coville big plans), existing boats still have massive programs (Orange II, B&Q…), but what coordination was there in the game? None, which meant the public had a rough time untangling facts and figures. So many courses, so many potential reference times!

After having discussed the matter over many times with the major actors of the field, Course Au Large magazine decided to host an informal meeting at the last Paris boat show. Thomas Coville, Bruno Peyron, Mark Turner (representing Ellen MacArthur), Franck Proffit (boat captain of the soon-to-be-launched Groupama 3 giant) and Francis Joyon's representative were there, and soon everyone agreed on the principles of a new records championship, based upon a selection of 20 oceanic courses (all of which are naturally WSSRC approved).

The main keyword behind this initiative is freedom : anyone can chose to play, no restrictions design-wise, fully-crewed and solo performances are taken into account on the selected courses. Trophies will be awarded each year to the best performers over the previous 12 month period, and an ongoing league table will be set up. Really, the prime objective is to keep it simple for everyone, entrants or public. No class association, no heavy organizing structure, just a regulating committee formed by the skippers involved themselves…

Who will give it a shot?

02/24/06