At 00:01 GMT today, ICAP Leopard – the Farr designed 100 foot super maxi yacht owned by Mike Slade – officially began her transatlantic speed record attempt from Ambrose Light, off New York. In order to beat the current record of eight days, three hours and 29 minutes set by 246ft yacht Phocea in July 1988, she will need to cross the finish line at Lizard Point Lighthouse before 03:30 GMT on Wednesday 4th June.
Chris Sherlock, Boat Captain aboard ICAP Leopard, commented: “We got off to a fairly quick start from Ambrose Light, passing it just after midnight (GMT), doing around 27 knots. It has been a very fast, wet and windy first 12 hours. We are all settling into our watch system, trying to eat the required amount of freeze dried food to refuel and then rest before getting drenched for another four hour stint on deck with the boat speed anywhere between 20 and 30 knots.”
Due to ICAP Leopard’s busy schedule, she was only graced with a five day weather window in which to begin the record attempt. Whilst owner Mike Slade is confident that ICAP Leopard can break the record, the crew will be hoping that the window they have chosen will provide them with consistent wind until the finish.
Sherlock continued: “The forecast for the next few days is for more of the same and from then on we are in the hands of the weather gods to get through a ridge with not a great deal of wind in it. We are hoping things will change by the time we get there.”