Fossett Challenges - Steve Fossett Reports On Cheyenne's First 2 Weeks On The RTW Record Course

On decisions, the crew - and on the nature of the record attempt

Saturday February 21st:
"14 days into the record attempt we are running slightly ahead of the record pace of Bruno Peyron on Orange in 2002. We are very pleased with our position because we have recovered from our slow first 4 days.

The start decision on any record attempt is critical. I signed up my crew based on being ready for a start at 1 January. None of the weather patterns in January provided the opportunity for a fast first week. Due to prior commitments in late March, Stan Honey and Thomas Coville had to resign when we had not started by 1 February. Adrienne, and then Justin, have stepped in brilliantly, but the pressure was on to find a start as soon as possible.

I chose the start on 6 February. We successfully battled winds up to 59 knots to get to the official Start Line at Ouessant. But within a day of starting we were trapped by light winds off Portugal - which wiped out the advantage of a carefully chosen departure day. To our frustration, Olivier de Kersauson started just one and one half days after us and had a fine run before turning back due to sail problems.

Cheyenne's crew is in high spirits now. In part, they are pleased with the calibre of their mates. Every crew member is a superior performer and brings either great experience or special expertise to Cheyenne. Everyone works hard to earn the respect of their fellow crew members.

It is really about the record. My burning ambition is to break the official Round the World Sailing Record, set by Bruno Peyron on Orange in 2002. This is simply the most important record in sailing - and why Cheyenne was built. Despite all the world and race records we've set since 1993, my career in sailing would not be complete without one good attempt at this record. I am not doing it for the publicity, recognition, or any financial purpose. The only goal is the RTW Sailing Record - and our sole attention is focused on breaking it.

The problems of Geronimo and Orange II are a reminder that the hardest part of the Round the World is making it around at all. I constantly think about the risk of some sail or piece of gear breaking which would ruin our attempt. We are so vulnerable, but must have faith that our extensive preparations will pay off with a completed trip.

The competition from Olivier de Kersauson and Bruno Peyron is awesome, and three boats making attempts at the same time will be very exciting. However it is impossible for us to measure ourselves against a boat starting after us - because we cannot judge whether they will be able to reach our location. We have to sail with the sole objective of breaking the existing record of Orange from 2002. Of course it is possible that we might be successful, and then see our new record broken only weeks afterward. Such is the nature of Speed Sailing.

We have started the left turn in the South Atlantic and we eagerly await the challenges of sailing in the Southern Ocean. Cheyenne is in her best condition ever and the crew is prepared.

- STEVE"

For further details and regular position updates, please see: www.fossettchallenge.com