In the bag for Geronimo

Olivier de Kersauson's maxi-trimaran sets new record for Transpac course from Los Angeles to Honolulu

4 days, 19 hours, 31 minutes and 37 seconds (subject to ratification) after crossing the start line off Los Angeles, Geronimo, Olivier de Kersauson's Capgemini and Schneider Electric-sponsored maxi-trimaran has set a new Transpac course record between Los Angeles and Honolulu. Crossing the finish line off Diamond Head in Hawaii under a moonlit night sky, at 4:36am local time (US Hawaii) on 18 November (14:36:40 UTC Geronimo and her crew succeeded in breaking the previous record of five days, nine hours, 18 minutes and 26 seconds, set in the 1997 by Bruno Peyron by 13 hours. This is the first time this record has been attempted in the northern hemisphere winter and the maxi trimaran averaged 19.17 knots boat speed over the 2,215 mile course making this the third fastest WSSRC long range (more than 2000 miles) speed sailing record to date.

‘We are very happy to have broken this record," said skipper Olivier de Kersauson after Geronimo crossed the finish line. "I worried a number of times during the race that we would not make it but we have and the crew did a very good job. Today they have had to concentrate very hard and not watch the clock."

The Geronimo crew will enjoy their victory at sea for the next two hours and at sunrise will be brought under tow to the dock at the Hawaii Yacht Club. West Marine will host a traditional Hawaiian welcome, including a lei presentation to the newly crowned title holders.

Geronimo’s 11 man Franco American crew include Olivier de Kersauson, Didier Ragot, Philippe Laot, Antoine Deru, Pierre English, Yannick Agaësse, Xavier Douin, Lucas Zamecknic, Jean Charles Corre and the two Americans Cam Lewis and Larry Rosenfeld.

As Geronimo crossed the finish line to a fantastic Hawaiian welcome, verifying the finish time for the WSSRC was official observer Skip Winterbottom.

Geronimo will be docked at the Hawaii Yacht Club during her two day stopover before heading back to San Diego.