Quentin Debois Sets New Solo Atlantic Record

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.

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.

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.

“I’m really happy with the performance, morale was excellent throughout the crossing,” Debois said. “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.”

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.

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.

“What made the difference was Quentin’s consistent pace and his ability to stay focused over the long term,” said coach Quentin Droneau. “He managed to avoid too much damage, which means the boat was well prepared and he sailed cleanly.”

Routing support played a major role. Basile Rochut, Debois’ router, monitored weather systems throughout the crossing and helped guide the boat through complex ridge transitions.

“Quentin was very precise and always on time,” Rochut said. “His sailing was clean, error-free and clear-headed.”

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.

“This record is the result of a long-term collective effort based on shared values,” he said. “From preparing the boat to crossing the finish line, I benefited from the advice and support of my entire team.”

For long-range cruisers, Debois’ 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.

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.

“I’m listing a few technical improvements to be made and starting to think about how we will choose the weather window,” Debois said. “This second crossing won’t be easy. It’s the North Atlantic.”

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