WESTABOUT
WORLD RECORD
THE IMPOSSIBLE VOYAGE
In 2017, Steve White will attempt to be the fastest yachtsman to sail non-stop and single-handed around the world the wrong way – Westabout – against the prevailing winds and currents in the Southern Ocean, which is one of the harshest and most remote environments on earth.
This remarkable record, originally set by Sir Chay Blyth in 1970 / 71, and described then by The Times as the “Impossible Voyage”, is still considered to be the toughest challenge in sailing. Only five people have held the record, a number which becomes more significant when compared against the twelve people who have walked on the moon.
The current record, held by Frenchman Jean Luc Van Den Heede, was set in March 2004 when the Frenchman completed the theoretical distance of 22,000 miles in 122 days, 14 hours and 4 minutes.
STEVE WHITE
“I’m under no illusion about how tough it is. To put it in perspective, only five people have completed this, and that’s seven less people than have walked on the moon”
Photo: Steve White aboard his Volvo 70 and challenger for the Westabout Solo world record.
THE TIME TO BEAT
“It’s wonderful that Steve is planning to attempt what many regard as the ultimate sailing challenge. Hundreds have completed the voyage following the classic Eastabout route but doing this in reverse is a quantum leap removed, which is why only five people have tried it.”