1580 miles in four days

Impressive flight south by singlehander Francis Joyon

Position at 1100 26 November: 25deg 47.80N 15deg 56.48W
Distance from start: 1580.9nm
Speed and course: 13.3 knots, 232 deg.

Since starting his attempt to sail round the world non-stop singlehanded the 'right' way (ie eastabout) on Saturday morning, Francis Joyon has covered an impressive 1580.9 nm. This has included putting in 24 hours runs of around 380 miles on the first three days as well as yesterday. This equates to an average speed of 16.28 knots...

As the chart below shows Joyon over the last 24 hours has sailed between the Canary island and continues to hug the African coast. This morning Joyon said that he had had to be vigilant watching out for fishing boats and other yachts particularly as he sailed between Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura last night. He looking forward to getting out into the open ocean where he might be able to get a decent night's sleep.

"This was not a good night for rest," said Joyon over the satphone. "It was not just sailing through all the island but the small fishing vessels. I passed very close to the coast of Fuerteventura in order to get the stronger winds. There were some lulls yesterday at the end of the day and the boat would be sailing at 20 knots...and then nothing. Finally I am proceeding at 10 knots but it really depends upon the clouds. The trade winds have been a little unreliable but I have avoided the wind shadow of the larger Canary islands which can have an effect for 200 miles. I think the wind is just unstable. It disappears for 15-20 minutes and then comes back again."

Such conditions are hard on Joyon who alone must handled the sails on his 90ft trimaran IDEC.

Joyon said his tactics are to stick to the African coast for a bit long and then start to line up for the Doldrums which he is looking to cross at around 20degW.