Belgian aims to break two world records for solo sailing across Atlantic Ocean
Belgian sailor Quentin Debois is going to attempt to break two world records for solo sailing across the Atlantic Ocean. In December, he wants to break the record from east to west, about 7,200 km, and in June next year from west to east, or 5,300 km. He will aim to do so in the “boats under 7 metres” category with his 6.5-metre sailing boat.
Quentin Debois only discovered sailing at a later age, just a few years ago, during a trip on the North Sea. From 2021 to 2023, the 38-year-old from Liège underwent intensive training at the sailing competition training centre in La Turballe, in France's Loire-Atlantique region. There he learned about navigation techniques, all kinds of repairs, first aid, meteorology, nutrition and sleep management, amongst others.
In 2022, Debois bought his first boat, a Mini 6.50, the smallest racing boat in the world capable of crossing the Atlantic Ocean. At the end of 2023, he crossed that ocean solo in 28 days, without assistance or means of communication.
Now the Belgian wants to break the world record twice. From east to west, 7,200 km from Cadiz in Spain to the Bahamas, the record is currently held by the Spanish Aina Bauza, who completed the crossing in 30 days and 22 hours in 2024. From west to east, from New York to England, the distance is 5,300 km. That record is currently held by American Jay Thomson, who did it in 17 days and 9 hours in 2023.
“I am confronting the ocean and myself"
“I am confronting the ocean and myself,” stated Debois. “I will be sailing alone, but with the support of my team on shore. We have spent the whole summer optimising the boat: the structure, the sails, the electronics, the equipment. Every detail counts.”
Debois' journey can be followed on his website www.oceansailing.be.
Illustration © PHOTO AFP/Emmanuel Dunand
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