The Belgian sailor Quentin Debois is to attempt to break not one, but two world records for sailing across the Atlantic. In December he intends to attempt the world record for sailing solo across the Atlantic from East to West, a distance of around 7,200km. Next June he will attempt to break the record for sailing west to east. Then the distance will be around 5,300km. The record attempts will be made in the boat category of “under 7 metres”. Quintin Dubois’ boat is 6.5 metres in length.
Quentin Debois was well into his 30s before he started sailing. The sailor from Liège Province has undergone intensive training in France to prepare for his transatlantic record attempts. During his training he leaned skills including navigation techniques, how to carry out repairs to his vessel, first aid, meteorology, nutrition and sleep management.
He only bought his first boat 3 year ago. The boat is a Mini 6.50. In late 2023 Quintin Dubois crossed the Atlantic solo in 28 days without assistance or any means of communication.
Cadiz to the Bahamas and from New York to the UK
The 7,200-km east to west record attempt will depart from the Spanish port of Cadiz in Spain and if all goes well finish in the Bahamas. The current record holder is the Spanish sailor Aina Bauza that completed the crossing last year in 30 days and 22 hours. The west to east record is currently held by the American Jay Thomson, who completed the crossing in 17 days and 9 hours.
You can follow Quintin Debois' preparation and progress by visiting the sailor’s website.