Geronimo underway again

Olivier de Kersauson's maxi tri heading for Route of Discovery record

Following a six week refit at her base in Brest, Olivier de Kersauson's giant Cap Gemini Ernst & Young and Schneider Electric-sponsored trimaran Geronimo was put back in the water yesterday. De Kersauson and his team will now carry out further sea trials that will culminate in an attempt on the Route of Discovery east to west transatlantic record - from Cadiz to the Bahamian island of Salvador - supposedly the route Christophe Columbus took when he 'discovered' America.

The exact departure date for the record will depend upon the weather conditions but it is expected to be sometime mid-October. Prior to this the crew will set about removing Geronimo's engine - to further lighten her prior to the voyage.

The current record for this 3,884 mile passage was set in February by Steve Fossett on the maxi-catamaran PlayStation and stands at 9 days 13 hours 30 minutes and 18 seconds.

Over the summer the sail plan has been altered and Geronimo will be using the transat to test her new suit of sails and rigging prior to another attempt on the Jules Verne Trophy this winter.