Underway

Francis Joyon sets sail on Route of Discovery attempt

This morning Francis Joyon and his maxi-trimaran IDEC set sail on an attempt on the Route of Discovery record between Cadiz and San Salvador in the Bahamas after waiting one month on standby . Joyon is attempting the ultimate insult - to break Steve Fossett's fully crewed record for this course sailing singlehanded and perhaps also take the solo 24 hour record while he is at it.

The red 90ft trimaran crossed the start line at 09:56:31 GMT this morning in 10 knots of northerly breeze and in brilliant sunshine.

"I am under full main and large gennaker, with 12 knots of wind that will build along the coast. In a few hours I'll be making 20 knots," said Joyon. "I have had some good mights of sleep and I am well rested. Overall it is very pleasant."

Weather wise Joyon says the conditions look favourable for the next five days. He plans to benefit from the same lively northeasterlies that the Vendee Globe fleet are currently enjoying.