At 09:03:55 GMT on 24 August skipper Sidney Gavignet (FRA) onboard OMAN AIR MAJAN crossed the finish line off Lizard Point, Cornwall to smash the single handed Round Britain and Ireland record. 

The A100 trimaran broke the existing record held by Thomas Coville by a massive 1 day 15 hours 30 minutes and 44 seconds. 

This incredible achievement also means Sidney has beaten the existing fully crewed record time by 1 hour and 7 seconds. This record was set by Steve Fosset onboard Playstation in 2002. 

The record attempt has seen OMAN AIR MAJAN sail 1,787 miles along one of the most challenging coastlines in the world.  Sidney has tackled huge low pressure systems and sailed through squalls of over 40 knots.

This is the first major test for OMAN AIR MAJAN and Sidney ahead of the single handed Route du Rhum race this coming November.   

New single handed Round Britain and Ireland record (subject to ratification by WSSRC) 

Distance miles: 1,787

Boat: OMAN AIR MAJAN – 100 foot trimaran

Skipper: Sidney Gavignet (FRA)

Record time: 4 days, 15 hours, 9 minutes, 47 seconds (subject to ratification by WSSRC) 

Previous record around Britain and Ireland, Non stop singlehanded    

Distance miles: 1,787    

Set: August 2006    

Boat: Sodebo - 60 foot TrimaranR

ecord time: 6 days, 6 hours, 40 miniutes, 31 seconds   

Average speed: 11.86 knots 

Round Britain and Ireland fully crewed record

Distance miles: 1787

Set: October 2002

Boat: Playstation - 125 foot Catamaran

Record time:  4 days, 16 hours, 9 minutes, 54 econds

www.sailspeedrecords.com 

Quote from skipper Sidney Gavignet:

"I am incredibly happy, this record around British Isles is the cherry on the cake for all team at OMAN AIR MAJAN and Oman Sail. I’ve learnt so much from the boat. We made some good sail choices and I feel really happy with the setup onboard.  I still have a lot to improve, managing my sleep onboard making sure I eat enough to keep myself in the best possible shape for the challenge ahead. 

The Route Du Rhum is going to be a huge race for us and I need to raise the level of my performance again for this event.  The record attempt was a massive challenge and I have enjoyed every minute of it.  Huge congratulations to the whole team we’ve done it!”

“As part of Oman’s Air sponsorship of Oman Sail at the Route du Rhum, the iconic sail regatta which will take place at the end of October, we are excited to be witnessing that all the preparatory stages in the run-up to the race get under way.  Following the display of the 100-meter Arabian Trimaran Oman Air during Cowes Week at the Isle of Wight, world famous skipper Sydney Gavignet now readies himself for the single-handed Round Britain and Ireland raid and his attempt to break yet another record.  We at Oman Air are both proud and thrilled to be part of the Route du Rhum, this very special event which offers us a great opportunity to promote our airline offering and its unique destination, the Sultanate of Oman.”

Philippe Georgiou, Chief Officer, Corporate Affairs, Oman Air 

"A massive congratulations to Sidney and the whole team behind OMAN AIR MAJAN.  This is an amazing feat and everyone in Oman is very proud of this great achievement. This a new team, a new boat and a new skipper who have proven to the whole world that they are record breakers.  A huge well done from sunny Oman to Sidney and the superb technical & shore team behind him."

David Graham, CEO Oman Sail 

Reference marks of the West-east course chosen by OMAN AIR MAJAN

Total Distance: 1.785 miles

Departure Cape Lizard (49° 57,5N-5° 12 W) - Dover: 260 miles

Dover - North Sheltand /Muckle Flugga (60°52N-0°53W): 600 miles

North Shetland - Flannan Isles/Northern Scotland: 300 miles

North Scotland - Fastnet (51°23N-9°36W): 420 miles

Fastnet - Scillies/Bishop Rock'n'roll (49°52N-6°27W): 160 miles

Scillies - Cape Lizard: 45 miles 

OMAN AIR MAJAN FACTS

Length: 32 meters (105 feet)

Width: 16.50 meters (54 feet)

Largest Sail: 550 m ²

Designers: Nigel Irens - Benoit Cabaret

Built: Boatspeed, Australia (following the example B&Q/Musandam)

Assembled: Salalah, Oman