BREST: Frenchman Francois Gabart smashed the world record for the fastest solo navigation of the globe on Sunday, completing the mammoth feat in 42 days, 16 hours, 40 minutes and 35 seconds. The race time was announced by an observer from the World Sailing Speed Council but will be subject to checks of the boat’s black box and its GPS data before final confirmation. Father-of-two Gabart becomes just the fourth title-holder for a world record of sailing the globe solo. The debut record holder was Frenchman Francis Joyon who completed the odyssey in 72 days and 22 hours. She remained undefeated until 2016 when Coville set a new record of 49 days and three hours which many predicted would be difficult to topple.

Source: The Star December 17, 2017 02:48 UTC