Video: Rambler 88 breaks the ARC crossing record

For the fourth consecutive year, the record for the fastest ARC crossing has been broken. Watch as Rambler 88 sails into Rodney Bay, St Lucia to take the title!

The ARC record for the fastest crossing from Gran Canaria to St Lucia has been broken for the fourth consecutive year.

The crew of George David’s super-maxi Rambler 88 crossed the finish line in Rodney Bay in just 8d 6h 29m 15s on 28 November 2016.

They beat the previous time by 1h 10 minutes and 15 seconds.

In 2015, Team Brunel sailed 3343.3nm based on the YB track at an average speed of 16.8 knots.

Although winds were lighter than last year, Rambler 88 took advantage of a small depression which formed mid-Atlantic soon after the start.

This enabled the boat to sail a very northerly route and then have a fast reach down to St Lucia.

Overall, the crew have sailed approximately 270nm less than Team Brunel, which has been a crucial factor for this year’s lighter wind crossing.

A year ago, VO65 Team Brunel claimed the title from Farr 100 Leopard by Finland.

Mike Slade’s super-maxi had taken over two days off the previous record set by Caro, a Knierim 65 in 2013.

A growing tradition of sleek, high-tech racing yachts joining the ARC seems to have developed, with the rally offering a different environment from the pro-racing circuits.

This is the first time Rambler 88 has taken part in the rally.

Commenting after breaking the ARC crossing record, Rambler 88’s owner, George David, said the main challenge for the crew was the weather and lack of wind.

“Once we set off, we were confident we could make the crossing in 8 days, but the record was less certain, right up until we crossed the finish line really,” he said.

“Two squalls came across us in the morning bringing torrential downpours but no wind so that slowed us down even more,” continued David.

Given the challenges this year, we are thrilled to have broken the record!” added Rambler 88’s owner.