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Acclaimed yachtsman Phil Sharp wrote his name into the record books today by beating the former cross-Channel record by an astonishing three hours.
He crossed the finishing line in just over nine hours, having left Cowes this morning for the finish off the French coast at Dinard.
The award-winning skipper left the Isle of Wight determined to break the 'old' record of 12 hours and one minute and he not only beat it, he smashed it, after meteorologists said today was the ideal day to make his attempt.
Although he was travelling as a solo skipper, Mr Sharp had the use of a team of experts on shore and the gale force 8 winds were perfect for his shot at the world record.
Mr Sharp's boat, named Imerys, raced across from England to France. He said: "I have literally torpedoed across the Channel and with 48 knot gusts I was forced to bring the spinnaker down. Conditions have calmed slightly now I am entering home waters. All is good on board!"
The yachtsman is no stranger to a challenge – in April he secured third place in the Transat Bakerly despite having to finish with a torn sail.
You can follow Phil Sharp's progress here
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