The World Sailing Speed Record Council (“WSSRC”) has officially ratified a new Cowes to Dinard monohull World Record for Phil Sharp and Class 40 Imerys.

The route distance of 138nm was covered on 24 November in 9 hours 3 minutes and 6 seconds with an average speed of 15.25 knots. Phil set a new record nearly 3 hours faster than the previous time of 12 hours 01 minute and 31 seconds set on 85ft Adrien by J L Van Den Heede (FRA) in November 2004.

Alongside breaking the Outright Monohull Record, the WSSRC has also confirmed an additional record as the fastest single-handed Channel crossing of any yacht below 60ft.

Phil commented on his record achievements, “It’s fantastic news and a great feeling to have an official World Record under my belt, and this cross-Channel route, so close to home, had been beckoning for a while… It was an adrenaline-packed crossing, but far from straightforward as I was faced with challenges right from the start.

“I had some serious electronic issues with my autopilot, which refused to steer straight and strayed Imerys off course when I left the helm to navigate and carry out sail changes. This caused the boat to lose control several times, where shortly after the start, Imerys ended up flattened by a heavy gust near the Needles, damaging the spinnaker. I was forced to helm for 95% of the journey, so I could only get my hands on two power bars during the entire record. Sadly there was no time for tea and porridge!

“Imerys was on fire in these windy conditions. These latest Class 40’s are seriously optimised racing machines, averaging speeds of 15kts and surfing at over 20kts. It’s incredible what you get used to, 10kts quickly starts to feel very slow! It is still difficult to believe that Imerys managed to carve 3 hours off the previous time. Hopefully this sets the bar high enough to hold on to the record for some time at least!

“All in all it is a great way to round off a successful first year in Class 40 and this would have not been possible without the invaluable support of our partners, and tireless commitment from our team”.

The WSSRC has confirmed the establishment of a new World Record:

  • Record: Cowes to Dinard. Outright Monohull and Singlehanded up to 60ft
  • Yacht: Imerys. 40ft Monohull
  • Name: Phil Sharp. GBR
  • Dates: 24th November 2016.
  • Start time: 06;38;27 UTC on 24/11/16
  • Finish time: 15;41;33 UTC on 24/11/16
  • Elapsed time: 9 hours 3 minutes and 6 seconds
  • Distance: 138 NM
  • Average speed: 15.25 kts
  • Previous record: Adrien J L Van Den HeedeFRA. Nov 2004. 12 hours 01 minute and 31 seconds