Just over a week ago we were preparing to welcome IDEC SPORT and her crew as they approached London at a rapid pace.
The trimaran was well on course to break the World Sailing Speed Record for the journey from Hong Kong to London and with bags of time on their side we are delighted to report they successfully completed this remarkable achievement.
At 0737 GMT on Wednesday 19 February 2020, IDEC SPORT crossed their nautical finishing line under the QEII Bridge in Dartford. Their 15,873 mile journey from Hong Kong took precisely 31 days, 23 hours, 36 minutes and 46 seconds at an average speed of 20.7 knots, shaving more than four days off the previous record set by the vessel Maserati in 2018.
From here it was on to our very own Butler’s Wharf Pier, where skipper Francis Joyon and his victorious crew were warmly welcomed and experienced dry land for the first time in a month! You can watch the moment IDEC SPORT crossed the finishing line before popping the champagne in this video:
Since then we have had the pleasure of hosting the yacht alongside Butler’s Wharf Pier and it has certainly proved to be an eye-catching short-term addition!
However all good (and record-breaking!) things must come to an end, and we will shortly be waving au revoir to IDEC SPORT. As her Jules Verne Trophy holder skipper Francis Joyon explains in this video, they will be returning to their base in Brittany following a very well-earned rest:
Everyone at Livett’s wishes the IDEC SPORT team the very best of luck on their onward journey and beyond!
If you’re interested in finding out more about using Butler’s Wharf Pier or hosting an event there, please get in touch with us. We look forward to hearing from you!
Images © Anthony Jones / Aléa / IDEC SPORT