Geronimo sets sail

Olivier de Kersauson's maxi tri heads for Doha

Olivier de Kersauson's Geronimo and her escort the power trimaran Ocean Alchemist have left Brest, France to head for Qatar and the start of the Oryx Quest 2005. With the announcement of Cheyenne's participation yesterday the current Jules Verne Trophy record holder will now compete against three other giant multihulls when the race gets underway from Doha, Qatar on 5 February, 2005.

In order to comply with the race instructions, Geronimo must reach the port of Doha, the capital of the Gulf State of Qatar, by 26 January 2005. The 6,000 nautical mile passage will include passing through the Strait of Gibraltar, transiting the Mediterranean Sea as well as the Suez Canal, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and the Sea of Oman.

"We are in contact with the Egyptian authorities to negotiate the passage of the two boats through the Suez Canal," said Louis Noël Vivies, Geronimo's team manager. "Unfortunately we have been classified as pleasure craft which isn't much help because it means that we will have to stop each night as only cargo ships can sail at night. Instead of one-and-a-half days, it could take three days or more."

It's estimated that Geronimo and Ocean Alchemist will reach Port Said at the entrance to the Suez Canal in approximately ten days. The trimaran has a crew of 12 while Ocean Alchemist has six sailors on board. The latter can be used to tow Geronimo in the event that there is no wind. It's estimated that voyage to Qatar will take between 23 and 25 days, depending on how long it takes to get through the Suez Canal.