Ahead - but so what?

Geronimo are now outside of Cheyenne's round the world record time, with 1588 miles left to sail

Day 60
Position at 2317GMT: 36°31N 37°32W
24 hour run: 314miles
Average speed: 13 knots

On day 60 the crew of Steve Fossett's Cheyenne were nursing their second set of hangovers since their maxi-catamaran had crossed the finish line of their successful non-stop round the world record attempt. Meanwhile Olivier de Kersauson and the crew of Geronimo are still struggling to stay ahead of the pace set by Bruno Peyron and the crew of Orange in 2002. At present they are 143 miles ahead and are into a useful stream of southwesterlies. But this will not last as the Azores high, which they are to the west of at present, is set to move north barring their passage home.

Now that Steve Fossett and his crew have set a new round the world time of 58 days 9 hours 32 minutes and 45 seconds, whether Geronimo beats Orange's 2002 time and theoretically wins the Jules Verne Trophy, has become of academic interest only. No one doubts that Fossett and the Cheyenne crew, who sailed a course six miles longer than that of the official Jules Verne Trophy course are the record holders, even if they are not eligible for the Jules Verne Trophy, because Steve Fossett and the Jules Verne Trophy Association committee were unable to reach agreement over the entry fee.