You can never turn your back on this guy, or his wacky twin-masted, hydroplaning catamaran. We haven’t heard much from ol’ Yves for a while, but yesterday the Extra Terrestrial, as he is fondly known, snuck out from port in the Canaries for a crack at the solo 24-hour record, held for more than 10 years by Laurent Bourgnon at 540 miles. Everyone (Ellen, Francis Joyon) wants this record bad, and Parlier just announced he is a contender with a pretty impressive attempt. Here’s the report:
“The skipper from Aquitaine left early on Monday morning from the port of Las Palmas to position to the North of Canaries Islands. His objective: to try and beat Laurent BOURGNON’s (FRA) single-handed 24 hour distance record. BOURGNON established the record over ten years ago on Primagaz during his crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in June 1994 where he covered 540 miles in 24 hours at an average speed of 22.50 knots.
At 1500 Médiatis Région Aquitaine was 30 miles ahead of BOURGNON’s record and was at times travelling at more than 39 knots with an average speed over the first seven hours of more than 30 knots. For PARLIER these were very encouraging figures that confirm the enormous potential of the boat.
However after noon, very unstable meteorological conditions obliged PARLIER to take in a reef. Whilst he was doing so, the boat gibed violently, breaking four battens and ending the record attempt.
PARLIER, on satellite telephone, indicated that he has returned to Las Palmas to make repairs and get ready for the second attempt as fast as possible.”
More than 39 knots? Hmm. Accurate reporting or Gallic bluster? You decide. Anyhow, it’s good to know that contraption he sails is not a total joke. Too bad about that little crash gybe situation…
“Holy Merde, Yves! Are you sure you can handle this thing by yourself…?”
(Photo: Thierry Martinez)
The Earthist Chronicles 