Fourth time lucky

Jean-Luc van den Heede prepares for his latest attempt on the non-stop singlehanded round the world record westabout

Following his aborted attempt earlier this year on the non-stop singlehanded round the world record westabout, veteran round the worlder Jean-Luc van den Heede has been boat Adrien back up and running and goes on standby for another attempt from 26 October.

His 26m aluminium monohull is on stand by in Les Sables d'Olonne ready to head up to Ouessant to cross the start line whenever a suitable weather window presents itself.

In the build-up to his departure VDH has had four or five people helping him prepare the boat for the new attempt. They have removed the propellors and the two engines in attempt to lighten the boat. They are now in the process of loading on food ready for the departure.

Routing for the trip is once again being carried out by top French meteorologist Pierre Lasnier. The objective is to break the present record for the 21,760 mile voyage of 151 days 19 hours 54 minutes and 36 second set by Philippe Monnet on the modified Open 60 Uunet in January to June 2000. This will be VDH's fourth attempt on the record - the first two made in his famous Vendee Globe Open 60 yawl. After the two attempts in the Open 60 were scuppered so VDH set about the build of his latest craft made in more durable aluminium. The boat was launched in April 2001 but on her attempt over last winter was dismasted off the south of New Zealand.

The bearded French giant, believes that if he succeeds this time his new boat should be capable of making the passage in 141 days. "If we finish, then we will break the record," he says.

TheDailySail wishes the former maths professor every success with his latest attempt