Possible departure for Coville

Sodebo skipper may leave tomorrow in his bid to break Francis Joyon's solo non-stop around the world record

With his routers and team, Thomas Coville, skipper of the maxi trimaran Sodebo has been observing the evolution of a weather window for his attempt on Francis Joyon's solo non-stop around the world record. Coville is considering setting sail tomorrow, Tuesday Nov. 18.

The weather system indicates a run of less than seven days from the start line off Brest to the equator but with some question marks of the strength of the wind between the Canaries and Cape Verdes.

The team will continue to see how the scenario develops over the course of today, but assuming it goes ahead, Coville could be looking to set sail as early as Tuesday morning at dawn. The decision will be taken this evening, around 22 hours, after analysis of the latest forecast.

Early on the forecast is ideal. After starting northwesterlies, Sodebo will head into the Azores high (positioned well to the north) before gybing to take her south towards the northeasterly trade winds. These will take him on towards the Cape Verdes and the Doldrums.

The team have assembled in Brest where Sodebo has been on stand by since 29 October to make final preparations, loading on food, fuel, etc. before the off.

To beat Francis Joyon's record round the world Coville will need return to Brest in less than 57 days, 13 hours, 34 minutes and 6 seconds.