Ex Otter Breaks Round the World Record 7 Jan 2012

Ex Corinthian Otter Brian Thompson has just broken the world record for the fastest circumnavigation of the world in any type of yacht. Brian, who is now based in Southampton, was the only British crew member on board the Banque Populaire V, which completed the lap in a staggering 45 days, 13 hours, 42 minutes and 53 seconds.

The 14-strong crew of the 40-metre maxi-trimaran crossed the Jules Verne Trophy finish line at Brest, France, at 10.14pm on Friday, smashing the existing record of 48 days, seven hours, 44 minutes and 52 seconds by nearly three days.

Hailing from a number of countries, the crew had already broken four speed records on this journey around the globe – one to the equator, one to the Cape of Good Hope, one to Cape Leeuwin, and one from equator to equator.

A flotilla of boats and crowds on the dock welcomed the crew home. Brian also became the first Briton to circumnavigate the globe non-stop for a fourth time, beating existing records held by fellow sailors Dee Caffari and Mike Golding.

He said: “This has been an incredible trip around the planet – almost a dream ride. And that is because of the quality of the boat, of the preparation and most of all the incredible crew on board.”

Brian last visited our club back in 2009, when he came and talked to us about his Vendée Globe experiences. Whether we can persuade him to come back to spill the beans on this circumnavigation remains to be seen!