Belgian sailor pays 'tribute' to team for record breaking effort

Belgian sailor Quentin Debois has broken the world record for crossing the Atlantic from east to west aboard his Mini 6.50.

He completed the challenge at the weekend in 24 days, 19 hours and 31 minutes (subject to ratification of the record by the World Sailing Speed Record Council – WSSRC), beating the previous record set by Aina Bauza in April 2024.

Debois is the first Belgian skipper to break a world record for crossing the Atlantic.

After his record breaking effort Debois said: “I’m really happy with the performance, morale was excellent throughout the crossing. 

"This second Transatlantic race confirms that this is the right thing for me. I gave it my all, keeping a cool head and enjoying every moment. Above all, it’s a team victory.”

He said: “It’s a tremendous joy to have broken this record in 24 days, 19 hours and 31 minutes. I’ll be floating on air for a few days.”

"Basile Rochut, my router, did a tremendous job. He helped me take the right routes, and if this record is broken today, it's thanks to his advice and the preparation of my technical coach, Quentin Droneau.”

Debois added: "This record is the result of a long-term collective effort based on shared values.

“From preparing the boat to crossing the finish line, I benefited from the advice and support of my entire team.

"My six colleagues – Quentin Droneau, technical coach; Basile Rochut, router; Victor Dehaze, mental coach; Cédric Maguet, partnerships manager; Laurence Hannon, public relations; and Martin Mounot, digital communications — contributed to the success of this exhilarating challenge. I am deeply grateful to them.”

“Supporting a project like this means accepting a degree of uncertainty and risk. It means believing in a vision, in a trajectory, and choosing to go for it despite everything.

“I am deeply honoured by the trust my partners have placed in me and the support of all their teams. 

"Their commitment has been a huge source of motivation to push the boundaries and go for this record. I would like to say thank you for being part of this adventure. At sea, as on land, we move forward together.”

He adds: "The day before I left Cadiz, I called all my partners to thank them for their trust.”

His spokesperson told this site: “This performance is the result of rigorous technical and mental preparation, concentration, resilience and unfailing morale on board, but also of a masterful routing strategy, a committed team and daring partners present at every stage of this incredible human adventure.

“Quentin gave his all to maintain a high average speed and apply the routing advice with great rigour. He constantly sought speed, trying every day to exceed the routing estimates.

“He sailed intelligently and efficiently, which enabled him to cross the finish line six days ahead of the previous record aboard the smallest racing boat capable of crossing the Atlantic.”

Thibault De Haes, CEO of Pharmacie Familia, said: “Whether you break the record or not, it doesn't matter. For us, the partnership is already a success. A wind of dynamism and team spirit is already blowing through the company.”

Photo credit: Jean-Baptiste d’Enquin

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