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Fastest yacht hopeful
12:56 p.m. EST Mar 26, 2004
In October 2003, Mari-Cha IV created sailing history on its maiden voyage when it sailed from New York to the UK in just over 6 days, beating the prestigious west to east transatlantic speed record by 2 days, and firmly establishing its status as the world's fastest monohull. The team also made sailing history during the crossing when they smashed the 24 hour distance record, sailing 525.7 nautical miles in a 24 hour period - the first monohull yacht to ever sail over 500 miles in a day.
Having spent the last few months receiving further modifications and enhancements, Mari-Cha IV has now been re-launched for what promises to be a very exciting three-year schedule of records, races and regattas around the world.
As Mari-Cha IV’s crew slipped her lines in Cherbourg and swept the 10cms snow from the deck little did they know that they would soon be sailing in 25 knots of wind having the most amazing delivery passage. The boat is presently 800 miles from Antigua where it is heading to take part in Antigua classic week and then Antigua Race week before heading off to San Francisco for the Pacific Cup.
The highlight of the program will be an attempt at the blue-ribbon event in ocean sailing - the Jules Verne round-the-world speed record. However, the Mari Cha IV team has not just set their sights on beating the 93 day record for a monohull, but they aim to rewrite the record books and become the first monohull ever to sail around the world in under 80 days.
The Mari Cha IV’s team is an international group of experienced sailors. Robert Miller is the Skipper/Owner, Jef d'Etiveaud is the navigator, and Mike Sanderson is the helmsman. The Mari Cha IV has already broken two speed records; fastest monohull sail from New York to UK and most distance in 24hrs. She is attempting to break several more speed records, including the Jules Verne Round-the World challenge.
Image of Mari Cha VI courtesy of mari-cha4.com
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