Quentin Debois’ Solo Atlantic Speed Record Attempt is Underway
On January 6 at 10:59:36 UTC, Belgian solo sailor Quentin Debois crossed the official start line off Cádiz, Spain, launching his attempt to break the solo Atlantic speed record to San Salvador, Bahamas.
The clock is officially running. Quentin is racing west across roughly 7,200 kilometres (4,500 nautical miles) of Atlantic Ocean, with a record time to beat of 30 days and 22 hours. Alone aboard his 6.50-metre Mini Transat, he is powered by UK Sailmakers sails, with sponsorship led by UK Sailmakers Belgium and support from across the global UK Sailmakers network.
A Fast and Controlled Opening Phase
The early days have unfolded exactly as planned. By Days 4–5, Quentin accelerated strongly as he approached the Canary Islands, confirming a route east of Arrecife. He rounded the archipelago right on schedule, executing clean, well-timed gybes and taking full advantage of wind shifts along the island chain.
The final series of gybes before a long, uninterrupted stretch of ocean sailing has been completed, marking the transition from tactical coastal routing into the sustained downwind phase of the crossing.
Settled Into the Trades
By Days 6–7, Quentin was fully settled into the Trade Winds, holding a steady tack and enjoying consistent conditions. With the Canary Islands well astern, the focus has shifted to managing small variations in wind strength and direction, maintaining speed while carefully managing wear on the boat and sails. From here on, with conditions largely cooperative, it’s classic Atlantic sailing — rhythm, consistency, and speed over long distances as the miles roll beneath the hull.
All the months of preparation are paying off as Quentin now rides the Trade Winds, with every sail chosen for its specific role and every maneuver optimized for maximum efficiency. From detailed routing analysis to the careful arrangement of his sail inventory, each decision made on shore is translating into measurable speed, keeping him right on his target timeline as he presses west toward the Atlantic record.
Planning Meets Performance
While this is a solo effort on board, Quentin is backed by a focused shore team. He checks in daily with his weather router, who provides detailed forecasts and strategic routing advice. Every decision, however, including sail changes, course adjustments, and risk management, is made alone at sea.
Months of preparation led to this moment. Final optimizations were made to the boat, the sail inventory was carefully selected for speed and durability, and every system was checked and rechecked before departure. It is a project where preparation, confidence, and trust in equipment all converge.
Powered by UK Sailmakers
In preparation for these epic voyages, Debois enlisted the help of UK Sailmakers Belgium’s Michel Lefebvre. Together, sailor and sailmaker scrutinized every aspect of the Mini Transat’s rigging and sail inventory. The result was a refined sail plan tailored to high-speed ocean sailing, featuring a new UK Sailmakers black Dacron mainsail, a reefable jib, and Code 0, A2, and A5 spinnakers, all designed to deliver maximum performance across the varied and demanding conditions of the Atlantic.
The project reflects the strength of the UK Sailmakers network as a whole. Expertise from across the group has contributed to optimizing the setup for this demanding record attempt, demonstrating what is possible when advanced sail design meets real-world offshore racing. It is a powerful reminder of what it truly means to Sail With Confidence.
Follow the Crossing
Quentin’s progress can be followed live via GPS tracking with wind data and regular updates and photos will continue to be shared as the crossing unfolds. You can also check out Quentin’s Instagram and follow his crossing here: @quentindebois
The Trade Winds are blowing, the sails are drawing, and the record clock is ticking.
Let’s go, Quentin!
