The young 24-year-old French skipper and adventurer Anatole Facon has just set a new record for crossing the Mediterranean, sailing from Marseille to Carthage in 40 hours and 32 minutes.
La Presse — Departing from the island of Frioul near Marseille on Thursday, June 26 at 6:35 p.m., Anatole Facon crossed the finish line on Saturday, June 28 around 11:07 a.m., off the coast of Carthage.
After covering 455 nautical miles on a direct route at an average speed of 11.23 knots — and a total distance over ground of 524 miles at 12.93 knots — Anatole Facon set a new solo sailing record across the Mediterranean aboard his Class 40 “Good Morning”.
The previous solo record (1 day, 21 hours, and 24 minutes), held by Michel Kleinjans, dated back to 2008.
When asked why he set out to break this record, Anatole Facon replied:
« It’s a legendary sailing record between Carthage and Marseille. I was expecting to break the crewed record, but to my great surprise, the WSSRC — the body responsible for official certification — confirmed that I had broken the solo record. »
« This time of 40 hours and 32 minutes is currently pending official validation. »
To achieve this feat, the young skipper had to wait three weeks for a favorable weather window.
« A step forward »
The record Anatole Facon just broke is only one milestone toward his ultimate goal:
« After setting the North Atlantic solo record last year, I’m continuing to push the limits with this new benchmark. It’s a step forward toward my ultimate dream: sailing solo around the world in a Class 40. »
« I plan to leave from Brittany next winter and attempt to sail around the world in under 220 days. »
The North Atlantic record — a crossing from New York to England — stands at 10 days, 9 hours, and 15 minutes.
Anatole Facon is now preparing to leave Tunisia with fond memories:
« This was my first time crossing the Mediterranean. I’m thrilled to have broken the record on my first attempt. I gave it my all. The boat was incredibly fast. We did a lot of work on the weather routing with Christian Dumard. Despite a torn sail just before the finish line, everything went well. »
« The arrival in Tunisia was magical — full of colors and light. I’m so happy. »
Anatole Facon leaves Tunisia with his spirits high after his solo record, determined to stay on course and reach the next stage: sailing solo around the world — the ultimate dream of any adventurous skipper.
Anatole Facon began his professional career in 2022 as a Class 40 skipper. A pioneer in his own right, he is the first sailor to launch a major offshore racing project based at the Port of Crouesty, at the entrance to the Gulf of Morbihan, his home region.
Source:La presse
