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Bank Populaire Set to Smash Jules Verne

By Richard | January 6, 2012 | Atlantic Ocean |
Banque Populaire’s main hull heading down a freeway in France prior to launch.

© 2012 Banque Populaire V

According to Brian Thompson, crew on the mighty 131-ft trimaran Banque Populaire V, they covered over 713 miles in a recent 24-hour period and therefore should set a new Jules Verne around-the-world record today. The only obstacles, says the former Sausalito resident, would be extreme gear damage or hitting something in the water. The current record is 47 days, 8 hours. As of last night, Banque Populaire was running over 1,500 miles ahead of the record pace.

Banque Populaire’s main hull — and other parts — heading down the ocean freeways, and probably at about the same speed as on the road in France.

© 2012 Banque Populaire V

We’re going to salute the entire Banque Populaire team when they break the record, but it’s also going to remind us of the incredible achievement of Francis Joyon, who singlehanded the same course in 57 days and 13 hours aboard his 34-foot-shorter trimaran IDEC II.

UPDATE: Banque Populaire V officially won the Jules Verne Trophy today, after 45d, 13h, 42m, 53s at sea — two days, 18 hours ahead of previous record holder Groupama 3.

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