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1 July 2005, 11:10 am

JOYON Starts Second Transatlantic Attempt

WSSRC Record Attempt

Ambrose Light, New York, USA

Francis JOYON (FRA) crossed the starting line at Ambrose Light, New York, USA yesterday morning at 08:42:26 hours UTC in his latest attempt to beat Laurent BOURGNON's single-handed transatlantic record.

Having been on standby for an attempt at the eleven year old record since April, JOYON and his giant trimaran IDEC crossed the start line with a wind of approximately 16 knots and is now heading towards the finish line at the Lizard off the southwest coast of Great Britain.

JOYON has already abandoned one attempt on the record at the end of May after favourable weather conditions failed to materialize.

His router Jean-Yves BERNOT (FRA) will be hoping for better luck this time to challenge BOURGNON's time of 7 days, 2 hours, 34 minutes and 42 seconds. The record is notoriously difficult to challenge with Ellen MACARTHUR (GBR) on the trimaran B&Q last year coming up 75 minutes short in her attempt. MACARTHUR and Thomas COVILLE (FRA) are both planning attempts on the record latter this year although for now the focus is on JOYON as he aims to cover the 2,925 miles and arrive at the Lizard before 11:16:08 UTC on 7 July.