Sunday 16 May 2010

Banque Populaire V: Towards a New Record Time for the Mediterranean


Banque Populaire V crossing the Mediterranean at speed, 15th May 2010. Image copyright Benoit Stichelbaut/BPCE.


Banque Populaire V crossing the Mediterranean at speed, 15th May 2010. Image copyright Benoit Stichelbaut/BPCE.

by Virginie Bouchet (in translation)

Steered by Pascal Bidégorry and his team, the Maxi Banque Populaire V that crossed the starting line at Marseille at 5h 56min 56s, continues her crossing of the Mediterranean in very lively conditions. The objective: to make a new Record time for the Mediterranean crossing.


Banque Populaire V crossing the Mediterranean at speed, 15th May 2010. Image copyright Benoit Stichelbaut/BPCE.

The wind has never been below 30 knots since the Maxi tri set out, and has gusted to 45 knots... It is therefore in very physical conditions that the Maxi Banque Populaire V has been sailing since crossing the starting line at daen. The record time chassers have not seen their speed drop below 30 knots, having at time reached 43 knots. That seems a very good omen for establishing a good new reference time...


Banque Populaire V crossing the Mediterranean at speed, 15th May 2010. Image copyright Benoit Stichelbaut/BPCE.

Currently not far off the Tunisian coast, the Maxi has covered 365 miles on a direct route since this morning. About 95 miles remain to crossing the finishing line at Carthage in the middle of the evening (local time).


Banque Populaire V crossing the Mediterranean at speed, 15th May 2010. Image copyright Benoit Stichelbaut/BPCE.

Banque Populaire V