Alan Roura is planning his next big adventure: The 26-year-old Geneva sailor wants to beat the six-year-old record of a North Atlantic crossing in a single-handed hull boat. His IMOCA yacht from La Fabrique is now leaving its home port of Lorient (FRA), heading for the USA.
"I wanted to attack this record after the last Route du Rhum," admits Alan Roura, "but neither the boat nor I were in shape for it then. This time the opportunity is particularly favorable, as there hasn't been much going on this year." Since July 2013, Frenchman Marc Guillemot has held the record for the single-handed transatlantic crossing.
"I wanted to attack this record already after the last Route du Rhum".
On board the "Safran", Guillemot covered the 2880 nautical miles (5330 km) in eight days, five hours and 20 seconds. The aim now is to beat this target. Weather permitting, Alan Roura should set sail during the month of July.
Team puts La Fabrique in position
La Fabrique is on the high seas with a team led by co-skipper Sébastien Audigane and sailing towards Newport in the US state of Rhode Island. Skipper Alan Roura will not join them until the beginning of July. Then it is a matter of exercising patience on the mainland and waiting for an ideal weather window for the solo record attempt in the monohull, the so-called "Trophée Loïc Caradec". This can be contested solo or as a team, in a double or single-handed hull boat. The start is at the Ambrose lighthouse in the US state of New York, the finish in Lizard Point (GBR). The skipper decides on the start time as well as the route for his record attempt. In contrast to IMOCA competitions, navigation with the help of people on land is allowed. For this, Alan Roura has engaged a navigation duo. The two experienced Breton sailors Julien Villion and Gwenolé Gahinet will guide the Swiss from the computer and from the mainland through the Atlantic waters.
Pemsa new sponsor
The company Pemsa, one of the leading intermediary agencies in the construction sector, becomes the third official sponsor of La Fabrique Sailing Team. "Pemsa is fascinated by adventurers who always push their limits," General Director Eric Gerini explains Pemsa's commitment, "The passion and tenacity of Alan Roura are an inspiration for our employees and society."
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