Sir Richard Branson and triple Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie have begun their Transatlantic record attempt aboard the 100ft supermaxi yacht Virgin Money (formerly Speedboat). The boat set sail yesterday morning with TEAMORIGIN’s Team Director Mike Sanderson as skipper. Sanderson, who holds the current transatlantic record of 6 days, 27 hours and 52 minutes, will lead the crew, which includes Sir Richard Branson’s children Holly and Sam.

Starting from North Cove Marina, New York, yesterday at dawn, Virgin Money’s record attempt will be Ben Ainslie’s first transatlantic voyage. Ainslie, TEAMORIGIN’s America’s Cup helmsman, was on the wheel as the boat passed Ambrose Light, and the clock started. The course will take them through treacherous winter conditions in the North Atlantic before finishing at Lizard Point, off the coast of Plymouth. Mike Sanderson has held the transatlantic record since 2003, when he broke the previous record aboard Mari Cha IV.

At 7AM this morning, 26 hours and 50 minutes after the start, the following statistics were reported:
Course over ground: 096T
Boat’s position: 38°26.42'N 063°14.76'W
Boat speed: 16.6 kts
Wind speed: 26.1 kts
Wind direction: 359T

For further information please visit www.teamorigin.com or http://uk.virginmoney.com/challenge/

© Copyright 2001/2002 caribbeanracing.com

Top of Page

A seriously dry dry-bag. Throw it in and swim ashore with it	Here's an excellent watch - proven as a startline winner in the BVI IC24 fleet.	Another must-have for small boat racing.	Gloves for the weekend warrior.