Team Holcim-PRB shatter 24-hour distance records at The Ocean Race

Team Holcim-PRB have smashed existing 24-hour distance records in a remarkable day at The Ocean Race.

The Ocean Race record of 602 nautical miles, set by Team AkzoNobel in the last edition of the race, was first to be superseded by the French boat.

A few hours later and the 618 nautical mile record, set by 100-footer Comanche in 2015, was eclipsed.

On Friday morning UK time, it was then confirmed that Team Holcim-PRB had crushed the IMOCA record, The Ocean Race’s record and the overall monohull record by achieving 640.91 nautical miles.

Team Holcim-PRB made the most of the conditions which were near perfect to make a record run.

Skipper Kevin Escoffier had predicted earlier in the day they were capable of shattering the 24-hour records.

He said: “Yesterday, we caught up with a weather front. We passed in front of it and now we are following it on starboard tack, which gives us high speeds…

“The sea is flat which is rather pleasant… If it goes on like this, we will break the 24-hour record again.”

11th Hour Racing Team benefitted first from the conditions and finished their run at 611 nautical miles to break the original Ocean Race record.

That was all the more impressive given they reported a collision with what was suspected to be “a marine mammal or megafauna”.

According to the team, trimmer Charlie Dalin suffered a mild concussion while media crew member Amory Ross injured his shoulder.

The team is continuing to race towards Aarhus after consulting with the onshore race doctor.

Team Malizia has also posted over 600 nautical miles to ensure the top three have all surpassed the existing Ocean Race record.

All records will need to be ratified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council.

– – –