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Displaying items by tag: François Gabart

Frenchman François Gabart on board his new 100ft trimaran Macif, crossed The Transat bakerly finish line at 18:24 EDT (22:24 GMT) this evening off New York, taking line honours in the Ultime class.

The finish time, recorded by the Sandy Hook Pilot Association boat, marks the first solo race win on Macif for the 33-year-old, who in 2013 became the youngest ever winner of the Vendée Globe solo round-the-world race. Gabart covered the official course distance of 3,050 nautical miles in 8 days, 8 hours, 54 minutes and 39 seconds.

Gabart actually sailed a total distance of 4,634 miles at an average speed of 23.11 knots in a remarkable voyage. Unusually for The Transat bakerly, it took him, and his close rival Thomas Coville on Sodebo, hundreds of miles south of the Azores into the tradewinds before sling-shotting northwest up to New York.

As Gabart crossed the line Coville was still some 118nm from the finish while the third-placed trimaran in the Ultime class – Actual skippered by Yves Le Blevec – was still 509.6nm away.

Published in Offshore

About Foyle Port

Foyle Port, located in the North West region of Northern Ireland, is estimated to handle around 2 million tonnes of cargo per year, with a trade value of approximately £1 billion. The port plays a crucial role in facilitating the import of essential agri-products, supporting around 20,000 farms in the region, as well as various local business sectors such as fuel/oil and construction industries. The organisation supports an estimated 1000 direct and indirect jobs.

Originally located in the bustling heart of Derry City, the Commissioners relocated the port to its current deep-water location at Lisahally in 1993. The terminal boasts an impressive 440 metres of quay and can accommodate large vessels of up to 62,000 DWT. Foyle Port is primarily a bulk port and a significant importer of essential commodities such as oil, coal, animal feed, fertiliser, and plywood, all of which are vital for the North West rural region.

Since 2003, the organisation has experienced significant growth, doubling both turnover and profit and attracting approximately £100 million of inward investment to the region. This investment has supported projects, including a fertiliser plant, an oil tank farm, and a biomass power station.

Established by Act of Parliament in 1854, the Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners is an independent statutory authority with a duty to develop, maintain and operate to the highest standards of efficiency, financial prudence, environmental awareness, safety, and security. The Port is independent of the Government and is self-financing. All financial surpluses are reinvested in the business for the benefit of future generations of stakeholders.