French Skipper Shatters Round-the-World Solo Sailing record

French skipper Francois Gabart celebrates as he sails the trimaran Macif into Brest harbour following his successful solo, non-stop around the world record of 42 days, 16 hours, 40 minutes and 35 seconds, in Brest, France December 17, 2017. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

PARIS, Dec 17 (Reuters) – Frenchman Francois Gabart set a world record for sailing around the world alone on Sunday, completing his journey in 42 days and 16 hours.

The time beat the previous record set last year by his compatriot Thomas Coville by more than six days.

On his trimaran Macif, Gabart crossed the finish line at 0145GMT in Ouessant, off France’s western coast. “It’s crazy, quite surreal, I’m stunned,” said the 34-year-old, who began his journey on Nov. 4. (Reporting by Julien Pretot, editing by Ed Osmond)