French Sailor Sets New Solo Round-The-World Record

BREST, France (AP) — French sailor Francois Gabart has broken the record for sailing around the world alone, circumnavigating the planet in just 42 days and 16 hours – six days faster than the last record, set by fellow Frenchman Thomas Coville last year.

Gabart completed his record-breaking sail on Dec. 17.

The organizers, tracking his journey by satellite, tweeted that 34-year-old Gabart reached the finish line near Ushant Island — known in French as Ouessant — off France’s western coast aboard his 98-foot trimaran called Macif before dawn, Dec. 17.

Dozens of vessels swarmed around the victory vessel, accompanying Gabart as he waved torches.

Supporters waited to fete him in nearby Brest, a historic port city and sailing capital from where he departed Nov. 4 and where residents have been following his travels.

“It’s a crazy pleasure … all this human energy,” Gabart said later. “I’m a solitary sailor but this is a pleasure.”