PlayStation is go

24 hour record attempt begins as PlayStation hurtle out along Gulf Stream

1800 EDT/2200 GMT 31 May 2003 - 200 miles northeast of Norfolk, VA, USA:

With the wind blowing at just over 21 kts and coming from just west of south, skipper Steve Fossett and crew sailing aboard the 125 foot catamaran PlayStation began their attempt to regain the 24 Hour Record at 1800 EDT/2200 GMT - heading eastwards across the Atlantic from a start point off the USA east coast.

Earlier today, Steve commented on the weather he was looking for: "We've been waiting a month for the right weather. This is potentially the best system of the season - an intense low-pressure system with a fast-moving front, hopefully at up to 30-35 knots.

There is, in fact, a fairly narrow band with the right wind. Too far ahead and the wind drops to 15 knots. Too far behind and we'll fall into the front. It is important we can stay just ahead of it - as the winds within the front could be up to 55 kts - and that would certainly stop us."