In order to beat the solo North Atlantic record held by Francis Joyon since 2005, Thomas Coville must round Lizard Point (SW tip of England) before Tuesday 17:47UT. Yesterday at 18:10, after 4 days and 4 hours sailing, and exactly two days from the last possible arrival date, Thomas had 624 miles to go. He has a lead of 326 miles, between 15 and 20 hours ahead of Francis Joyon’s time.
The sailing conditions will be very light at the finish with a zone of high pressure building. For this reason, Thomas gybed last night and is hooking to the north in order to remain in a stronger current of wind, this time blowing due west, which is preventing him from making a direct course.
This choice is enabling him to maintain a good speed (25 knots) and should enable him a better angle in relation to the wind and therefore more speed over the final miles.