Olivier de Kersauson’s Cap Gemini Ernst & Young and Schneider Electric trimaran crossed the start line of her Round Britain and Ireland record-breaking attempt at the Lizard, just three quarters of an hour before Maiden II yesterday. To succeed in her attempt, she must cross the finishing line before 11:29:11 on the morning of Wednesday 11 September.

Like Tracy Edwards’ Maiden II crew, Olivier de Kersauson and his crew have chosen to make their record attempt in an anti-clockwise direction. The first few hours saw stable and sustained wind conditions, enabling the trimaran to make over 20 knots on her first leg towards the North Sea.

The Round Britain and Ireland record course covers 1,787 miles (3,309 km) and may be followed in either direction, the only restriction being that it must encompass the entire British Isles, including the Shetland Isles, which lie to the north of Scotland above the 60th parallel. Only the Channel Islands and Rockall (which is as near Iceland as it is Scotland and Ireland) are excluded. Skippers have a free choice of start/finish point.