{"id":61807,"date":"2026-02-02T16:44:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T21:44:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/?p=61807"},"modified":"2026-02-04T11:44:35","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T16:44:35","slug":"quentin-debois-sets-new-solo-atlantic-record","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/sailing\/quentin-debois-sets-new-solo-atlantic-record\/","title":{"rendered":"Quentin Debois Sets New Solo Atlantic Record"},"content":{"rendered":"\n        <section class=\"hydra-container\">\n\n\t\t\t                <div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Arrival_Quentin-046_Jonathan-A-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"hydra-image disable-lazyload\" alt=\"Debois Atlantic crossing voyage\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Arrival_Quentin-046_Jonathan-A-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Arrival_Quentin-046_Jonathan-A-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Arrival_Quentin-046_Jonathan-A-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Arrival_Quentin-046_Jonathan-A-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Arrival_Quentin-046_Jonathan-A.jpg 2000w\" \/>                <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n            <figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">After 24 days at sea, Debois became the first Belgian skipper to hold a transatlantic world sailing record.<\/span>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Jonathan A. Knowles\/Courtesy Quentin Debois<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t            <\/figcaption>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n<iframe id=\"gkstfcayky\" src=\"https:\/\/cruisingworld.dragonforms.com\/gkstfcayky\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"width:100%;height:165px;border:none;overflow:hidden;\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>Belgian skipper Quentin Debois has set a new world record for the fastest solo east-to-west Atlantic crossing, completing the passage from Cadiz, Spain, to San Salvador in the Bahamas in 24 days, 19 hours and 31 minutes. The time is subject to ratification by the World Sailing Speed Record Council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Debois crossed the finish line at 6:30 UTC on January 31 aboard his Mini 6.50, beating the previous record by nearly six days. The mark had been held since April 2024, when Aina Bauza completed the same route in 30 days and 22 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At 38, Debois becomes the first Belgian sailor to hold a world record for a solo transatlantic crossing. His run covered 4,466 nautical miles and combined disciplined weather routing, conservative sail management and steady mental focus over nearly 25 days at sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n        <section class=\"hydra-container\">\n\n\t\t\t                <div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Facing-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Debois Atlantic crossing voyage\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Facing-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Facing-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Facing-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Facing-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Facing.jpg 2000w\" \/>                <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n            <figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Belgian skipper Quentin Debois has broken the solo Atlantic crossing record, sailing from Spain to the Bahamas in just under 25 days aboard a Mini 6.50.<\/span>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Jean-Baptiste d&#8217;Enquin\/Courtesy Quentin Debois<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t            <\/figcaption>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m really happy with the performance, morale was excellent throughout the crossing,\u201d Debois said. \u201cThis 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\u2019s a team victory.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Debois left Cadiz on January 6 and maintained consistently high averages across the Atlantic while following a carefully managed routing plan. His strategy focused on staying inside stable wind systems rather than chasing extreme pressure patterns, allowing him to preserve equipment and avoid prolonged light-air transitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The crossing was not without challenges. Two downwind sails were damaged, and the bowsprit suffered stress, but the boat remained fully functional throughout the passage. According to his team, careful sail handling and disciplined risk management were central to the successful outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n        <section class=\"hydra-container\">\n\n\t\t\t                <div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Sailing-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Debois Atlantic crossing voyage\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Sailing-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Sailing-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Sailing-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Sailing-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Sailing.jpg 2000w\" \/>                <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n            <figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Debois maintained consistent speed and conservative sail plans across nearly 4,500 nautical miles of open ocean.<\/span>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Jean-Baptiste d&#8217;Enquin\/Courtesy Quentin Debois<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t            <\/figcaption>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat made the difference was Quentin\u2019s consistent pace and his ability to stay focused over the long term,\u201d said coach Quentin Droneau. \u201cHe managed to avoid too much damage, which means the boat was well prepared and he sailed cleanly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Routing support played a major role. Basile Rochut, Debois\u2019 router, monitored weather systems throughout the crossing and helped guide the boat through complex ridge transitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cQuentin was very precise and always on time,\u201d Rochut said. \u201cHis sailing was clean, error-free and clear-headed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n        <section class=\"hydra-container\">\n\n\t\t\t                <div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ITINERARY-QUENTIN-DEBOIS_FINAL-1024x614.jpg\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Debois Atlantic crossing voyage\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ITINERARY-QUENTIN-DEBOIS_FINAL-1024x614.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ITINERARY-QUENTIN-DEBOIS_FINAL-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ITINERARY-QUENTIN-DEBOIS_FINAL-768x461.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ITINERARY-QUENTIN-DEBOIS_FINAL-1536x922.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ITINERARY-QUENTIN-DEBOIS_FINAL.jpg 2000w\" \/>                <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n            <figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">The track of Belgian skipper Quentin Debois\u2019 record-setting solo crossing from Cadiz, Spain, to San Salvador in the Bahamas.<\/span>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Quentin Debois<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t            <\/figcaption>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>Debois also credited his broader support team, which included a technical coach, mental coach, communications staff and project partners. For Debois, the record was less about individual performance and more about collective execution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis record is the result of a long-term collective effort based on shared values,\u201d he said. \u201cFrom preparing the boat to crossing the finish line, I benefited from the advice and support of my entire team.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For long-range cruisers, Debois\u2019 achievement offers a modern reminder that successful ocean passages rely less on maximum speed and more on disciplined decision-making, equipment preservation and mental resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n        <section class=\"hydra-container\">\n\n\t\t\t                <div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Navigation-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Debois Atlantic crossing voyage\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Navigation-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Navigation-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Navigation-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Navigation-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Navigation.jpg 2000w\" \/>                <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n            <figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Debois\u2019 successful voyage was a modern case study in disciplined routing and ocean seamanship.<\/span>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Jean-Baptiste d&#8217;Enquin\/Courtesy Quentin Debois<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t            <\/figcaption>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>Debois is now looking ahead to his next challenge. In June, he plans to attempt the solo west-to-east North Atlantic record between New York and Lizard Point, a route generally considered faster but more demanding due to weather variability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m listing a few technical improvements to be made and starting to think about how we will choose the weather window,\u201d Debois said. \u201cThis second crossing won\u2019t be easy. It\u2019s the North Atlantic.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Belgian skipper completes east-to-west crossing in 24 days in a Mini 6.50, becoming the first from Belgium to hold a transatlantic world record.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":61812,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"BS_author_type":"BS_author_is_guest","BS_guest_author_name":"Cruising World News Desk","BS_guest_author_url":"","hydra_display_date":"","hydra_display_updated":false,"arc_story_id":"","arc_website_url":"","arc_subtype":"","arc_exclude_from_feeds":false,"sponsored":false,"sponsored_label":"Sponsored Content","sponsored_display_label":false,"post_right_rail":true,"post_right_rail_ad_1":true,"post_right_rail_ad_2":true,"post_right_rail_ad_3":false,"post_right_rail_ad_4":false,"post_right_rail_recirc":true,"fixed_anchor_ad":true,"post_top_ad":true,"post_off_ramp":true,"post_taboola":false,"labels":true,"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":"","sponsored_image":false,"sponsored_url":"","social_share":true,"ad_targeting":"","ad_settings_ads_on_this_page":true,"ad_settings_automatic_ad_injection_into_the_content":true,"alternate_title_newsletter":"","alternate_content_newsletter":""},"categories":[2172],"tags":[1280,857,552,454,675,337],"class_list":["post-61807","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sailing","tag-offshore-sailing","tag-route-planning","tag-sailing","tag-seamanship","tag-solo-sailing","tag-voyaging"],"acf":[],"apple_news_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61807","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=61807"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61807\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/61812"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=61807"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=61807"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=61807"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}