News: Branson Sets Sail to Break Atlantic World Record
Text by Laura Buckley
Sir Richard Branson and his 24-person crew left the North Cove Marina in New York’s Battery Park City early Wednesday morning for what they hope will be a record-breaking sail across the Atlantic, as reported by the New York Times. The billionaire British businessman, along with his top-notch crew of America’s Cup and Olympic sailors, hope to beat the current record of six days, 17 hours, 39 minutes, 52 seconds, set by Mike Sanderson’s Mari Cha IV. That means the Virgin Money, a 99-foot maxi yacht, will have to complete the journey by 9:39.52 p.m. on October 28. The Virgin Money is scheduled to dock in Lizard Point, the most southwesterly point of Britain.
Branson is no novice when it comes to record-breaking attempts, including several around-the-world balloon flights with his close friend, Steve Fossett, who was recently presumed dead after his airplane wreckage was discovered near Mammoth Lakes, Calif. “This will be a wonderful trip to do in his memory,” Branson told the New York Times. We here at ADVENTURE wish Branson a happy and healthy sail!
Branson and arctic explorer Will Steger were awarded our lifetime achievement award last year for their environmental efforts and collaboration to dogsled across Baffin Island. See what Branson has to say about his life of adventure in this video.
Related Topics
Go Further
Animals
- These 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animalsThese 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animals
- These photos are works of art—and the artists are bugsThese photos are works of art—and the artists are bugs
- The epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfishThe epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfish
- Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75
Environment
- Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.
- This year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning signThis year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning sign
- The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?
- The most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater weldersThe most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater welders
- The harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to surviveThe harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to survive
History & Culture
- Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’
- A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.
- Meet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural iconMeet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural icon
- Inside the observatory that birthed modern astrophysicsInside the observatory that birthed modern astrophysics
Science
- LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?
- NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.
- Humans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying themHumans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying them
- Why engineers are concerned about aging infrastructureWhy engineers are concerned about aging infrastructure
Travel
- 2024 will be huge for astrotourism—here’s how to plan your trip2024 will be huge for astrotourism—here’s how to plan your trip
- Play and stay in the mountains of eastern Nevada
- Paid Content
Play and stay in the mountains of eastern Nevada - This couple quit the city to grow wasabi in Japan's mountainsThis couple quit the city to grow wasabi in Japan's mountains