News: Branson Sets Sail to Break Atlantic World Record

ByMary Anne Potts
October 22, 2008
2 min read

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.

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Get a FREE tote featuring 1 of 7 ICONIC PLACES OF THE WORLD

Related Topics

Go Further