Sodebo ready for the off

Thomas Coville's maxi-trimaran leaves New York

Thomas Coville and his maxi trimaran, Sodebo, are to set off on their attempt on Francis Joyon's solo west to east transatlantic record. The 100ft tri is due to cross the start line by Ambrose Light this morning between 0600 and 1200 GMT.

The Sodebo team have been on stand-by in New York since 19 May. The maxi-tri left Brooklyn Harbour yesterday evening before night fall in order to be on station ready to start once given the thumbs up from the meteo team.

The objective Coville is what he refers to as “a heavy week's work” since he’ll have to reach the Lizard in less than 6 days, 4 hours, 1 minute and 37 seconds, the record time Francis Joyon set aboard his previous trimaran Idec I in July 2005.