Video: Spindrift 2 sets new record in Transat Quebec-St Malo

Spindrift 2 arrived in St Malo on 19 July, having crossed the Atlantic Ocean in just over six days to win the ninth edition of the Transat Quebec-St Malo.

Spindrift 2 arrives in St Malo, setting a new record in the Transat Quebec-St Malo

TAGS: Racing trimaran

Travelling at an average speed of just over 22 knots, Spindrift 2 has smashed the race record for the Transat Quebec-St Malo.

The world’s largest trimaran arrived under a full moon in St Malo at 23.17 local time on 19 July, winning not just line honours but beating Loïck Peyron’s 1996 race record by just under two days.

The black and gold Spindrift 2 raced across the Atlantic Ocean in 6 days, 1 hour, 17 minutes and 41 seconds.

Watch a video of Spindrift 2 on day 5 of the race below

This beat the previous record set by Peyron in 1996 onboard the trimaran Orma Fujicolor II by 1 day, 19 hours 6 minutes and 19 seconds.

Spindrift 2 arrives in St Malo. Credit Spindrift Racing

Spindrift 2 was skippered during the 3212 nautical miles of racing by multihull specialist Yann Guichard.

The crew also included helmsman and trimmer Dona Bertarelli, Sam Goodchild, Jack Bouttell, Duncan Späth, Erwan Israel, Erwan Le Roux, Xavier Revil, Jacques Guichard, Antoine Carraz, Simone Gaeta, François Morvan, Thierry Duprey Du Vorsent and Chris Schmid.

The crew’s main rival at the start of the race was Musandam-Oman Sail, which capsized off the coast of Canada early on.

Speaking after crossing the finish line, Yann Guichard said he was “super happy” with the time.

“Before the start we thought it might be possible and thought that we might be able to do it in under the seven days, but to have gone down to six days is pretty amazing. The whole team did a great job,” he said.

Guichard also let slip that new crewmembers, Sam Goodchild and Jack Boutelle, will now be included in their Jules Verne Trophy attempt.

“They adapted very quickly to the boat and their watch systems, and fitted in well with the team. I am delighted as it will be two new people to join us around the world,” he said.

“They don’t know that yet, so they might find out if they listen to what I am saying to you! The team spirit on board was great and we could happily cross the Atlantic again tomorrow or sail around the world!” added Spindrift 2’s skipper.

The team will remain in St Malo for a few days before taking the trimaran back to its base in La Trinite sur Mer.

Here, they will start preparations for the Jules Verne Trophy attempt this winter.