Off to a good start

Geronimo has been experiencing 35-40 knot winds on her Transpac record attempt

33 hours and approximately 480 miles after the 110ft Geronimo, the Capgemini and Schneider Electric sponsored trimaran, crossed the start line off Los Angeles she has covered 330 miles in the first 24 hours, averaging 13.75 knots boat speed and is currently averaging 21.4 knots boat speed seven hours into day two. Aiming to break the current record for the Transpac, Geronimo is looking good and sailing well in the current conditions.

The decision to restart has paid off for Geronimo and her 11 man crew who are working hard to maximise every in the weather conditions that they are currently experiencing.

Sailing overnight in 35-40 knots of breeze from the NNW, Geronimo is reaching boat speeds of 27-30 knots on her way towards Hawaii. If her crew can maintain their current speed they are looking good to break the record for the Transpac passage which currently stands at five days, nine hours, 18 minutes and 26 seconds.

"The sea is settling in this unstable weather," commented skipper Olivier de Kersauson from on board today. "We have two reefs in the main and a trinquette (Number 3 headsail) doing 27-30 knots boat speed into a difficult sea with the breeze coming on the beam. The moon is huge and there are violent movements of the clouds in the sky.

"The moon reflects on the black waves and the wave tops, which light up in the magnificent night. We need to get as far west as soon as possible, the starboard float takes off suddenly, too high in the sky and the grinding noise of the ropes easing on the winches. The heart stops, then Geronimo starts again, splendid, furious and plenty of wet white foam over the forward crossbeam. The noise of the winches taking up the sheets is very loud and Didier Ragot, totally wet and hilarious remains concentrated on this acrobatic glide and moans ‘It’s absolutely smoking’."