Fossett Wants it Back

American skipper Steve Fossett and crew aboard PlayStation are planning an attempt to regain the 24 Hour Record in sailing, targeting the current mark of 694.78 nautical miles, set in June 2002 by Maiden 2.

Steve and PlayStation have twice held this record, firstly in February 1999 at 580.23 nm off New Zealand, and again at 687.17 nm, set during the successful TransAtlantic record run of October, 2001.

Steve wrote this morning: “We’re going for it. The previously considered start on Friday was scrubbed in favour of Saturday, 31 May. We will start 200 miles northeast of our base in Norfolk on the northern edge of the Gulf Stream about 37N 72W. Winds should be SSW building from the 20 knot range to about 30 knots. We will choose our starting time when the wind speeds are sufficient, but before the seas build above 4 feet. Then we will sail ENE for 24 Hours.

“We plan to leave the dock at Bay Point Marina in Norfolk, Virginia at sunset tonight. Start time should be about noon on Saturday. The return trip to Norfolk or Newport will be upwind and will take at least 2 days. – Steve”

Crew:
Steve Fossett, Skipper
David Scully, Watch Captain
Nick Leggatt
Paul Van Dyke
Tom Weaver
Mark Featherstone
Sarah Lynch
Tim McKegney