Tycoon sets sail for the record books
Retail and investments tycoon Robert Miller left from New York harbour, with his crew of 23, aboard the 140ft-vessel, the Mari Cha IV.
They will attempt to make the 2,925-mile journey to Lizard Point, off Cornwall, England, in the single hull yacht in less than eight days.
“I’ve been a sailor all my life. There’s nothing more exciting than the adrenaline rush of being on a fast boat in severe weather conditions,” he said.
“I have a great team of sailors and an awesome boat so we think we can do considerable damage to all the leading world records if we have the right conditions.”
The sailing fanatic, who named the yacht after his three daughters, is believed to have spent up to stg£10 million (14m) on the project. The Mari Cha IV can reach speeds of more than 40 knots and skipper Mr Miller and his crew plan to sail at an average speed of at least 15.3 knots.
If they succeed, Mari Cha IV will become the first monohull vessel to complete the feat in under eight days.
They also hope to be the first monohull crew to sail over 500 miles in 24 hours.
The yacht has two 45-metre masts but her carbon-fibre design means she weighs only 50 tonnes. There are no bedrooms, only bunks and sleeping bags, no bathroom, and only one small galley Mr Miller and his crew set sail from Chelsea Pier in Manhattan and the record attempt began sail from Chelsea Pier in Manhattan and the record attempt began
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
