ICAP Leopard Smashes Transatlantic Speed Record

ICAP Leopard sailed at an average speed of 15.5 knots, and a top speed of 37.4 knots, to complete the Atlantic crossing. She crossed the finish line at the Lizard at 19:22:05 GMT (20:22:05 local BST) today, having started the record attempt off Ambrose Light, New York, at 00:01 GMT on Tuesday 27th May. The record she has broken, for a monohull yacht with power-assisted winches, was previously held by 246 foot yacht Phocea who sailed the course in eight days, three hours and 29 minutes.

Mike Slade, Chief Executive of London based property company Helical Bar plc commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to get this Transatlantic record. Having only had a three day weather window in New York during which to leave, the weather Gods have been kind. This was a delivery without a full sail wardrobe and we almost lost a full day avoiding Southerly icebergs in the mid Atlantic, as well as experiencing a full on collision with a monstrous sunfish. We always knew it would be close, but that is the beauty of yacht racing, as you rely entirely on forces beyond your control to get you there. If it was easy everyone would be doing it!”

ICAP Leopard Boat Captain Chris Sherlock commented: “It was a nail biting sail right to the finish. After a good final night, the wind dropped on Tuesday morning, slowing us a little. With full sails up we kept our foot down all the way in to the Lizard, and made it with time to spare even against the tide. As I predicted, it was an incredibly close run to the finish, but that’s the exact reason records are records and therefore difficult to beat. I’d like to thank Roger Badham our weather router, as well as our shore crew, for all of their support.”

ICAP Leopard holds the record for the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, which she broke last August by an impressive nine hours. Upon ICAP Leopard’s arrival in the UK, Mike Slade plans to race the super yacht on the British circuit, competing in the Round Ireland Race and the JP Morgan Round the Island Race, where the maxi yacht made her debut last year. She will then compete in several European events over the Summer.

Record Attempt Crew:
1. Chris Sherlock - Boat Captain - Australia
2. Paul Stanbridge - Watch Leader/Driver - UK
3. Mark Thomas - Watch Leader/Driver - Australia
4. Ross Monson - Navigator - UK
5. Tim Sellars - Pitman - Australia
6. Zane Gills - Bowman - Australia
7. Paul Quinn - Bowman - New Zealand
8. Jonathan Carter - Bow Crew - Bermuda
9. Barnaby Henshaw Depledge - Trimmer - UK
10. Matthew Richardson - Trimmer - UK
11. Ben Morrison Jack - Trimmer - Australia
12. Gian Ahluwalia - Driver/Trimmer - Argentina