Geronimo Averages Over 23 Knots On Day 28

The Cap Gemini and Schneider Electric trimaran is approaching Tasmania at some speed. On Day 28 of her round-the-world record attempt, Geronimo averaged over 23 knots point-to-point to cover 555.22 nautical miles.

In the next few hours, the Cap Gemini and Schneider Electric crew will pass south of Tasmania, the island discovered by Abel Tasman in 1642 and separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Straight. Tasmania is Australia’s smallest state.

On her Day 28, the catamaran Orange (the current record holder) covered 476 nautical miles, at an average speed of 19.85 knots.

Last year, Olivier de KERSAUSON’S trimaran Geronimo covered 462 nautical miles at a point-to-point average of 19.26 knots.

At 17:17 GMT on Wednesday 24 March, three-quarters of the way through their 28th day at sea, the crew of Geronimo were pressing on flat-out through the Howling Fifties.

Reporting a position of 52°18S, 132°26E, Geronimo was making a spot actual speed of 22.2 knots.

The true heading reported by Geronimo’s GPS system has been a constant 90° to 95° for many hours, confirming that the Cap Gemini and Schneider Electric trimaran continues to make gradual progress further south.

“I know that we’ll have good wind for the next two or three days. Which is great. After that, I don’t know. It’s the kind of progress you can only understand with hindsight, which is a bit annoying”, commented Olivier de KERSAUSON yesterday (23 March) when discussing the general uncertainty surrounding weather conditions on round-the-world voyages.

For the time being though, the skipper and his crew are making maximum use of excellent surfing conditions; conditions which Geronimo exploits with incredible efficiency. And tomorrow is always another day!