Mixed views on the weather

As Francis Joyon embarks on solo round the world record attempt

Francis Joyon is due to set sail on his attempt on the singlehanded round the world westabout record tomorrow.

The Frenchman will set sail from La Trinite-sur-Mer aboard his maxi-trimaran IDEC at 1500 local time this afternoon and will up towards Brest and the Ouessant-Lizard start/finish line where he will await the optimum conditions before leaving.

Yesterday Joyon was deliberating. With the Azores high well established, some weather models show consistent northerlies blowing - ideal for Joyon to make a rapid dash south. Other show the development of some depressions close to his route south which could well affect the northerly flow.

De Kersauson is aware that finding the right northerly conditions are rare. "Last year when Olivier de Kersauson was on stand by with Geronimo he had to wait almost a month (from 4 December until 4 January) and only then was there a weather window for one day.

The situation may not be ideal, but Joyon has made the call that he's leaving.