Yann Guichard successful in solo qualification run from Horta in the Azores to La Trinite sur Mer for the Route du Rhum

From the following press release from the Spindrift Racing team:

http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2014/09/40-metres-en-solo-episode-21-yann-guichard-and-spindrift-2-successfully-qualified-for-the-route-du-rhum/

« Solo sailing a trimaran the size of Spindrift 2 requires complete physical commitment, » says Yann Guichard, who recently sailed from the Azores to La Trinité-sur-Mer, alone at the helm of the world’s largest racing multihull. With two months to go before the start of the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe, the skipper arrived late Monday afternoon and appeared positive and satisfied with his single-handed sail. His arrival fulfils the compulsory qualification required for the event.

Since Spindrift 2 was launched in 2008, nobody has had the audacity to sail this maxi-trimaran single-handed. The 40 metres long Spindrift 2 was designed to be raced by crews and holds several respective major ocean-sailing records. Spindrift racing thought long and hard about taking part in the Route du Rhum, adapting the trimaran especially for this epic race which will commence on November 2nd this year. The cockpit has been redesigned for use by a single-handed sailor, with the commands placed suitably within reach. Meanwhile, the surface area of the sails has been reduced by around 20% and an ingenious autopilot system has been fitted. The trimaran has not been reduced in size, however, and Spindrift 2 remains by far the largest boat taking part in the 10th edition of the most iconic of transatlantic races.

read more and see the video here

Yann Guichard departing Hortas on his Route du Rhum qualification, photo E Allaire