Lessons Learned Short - Quentin Debois' Benchmark Record

In this Lessons Learned Short, host Buttons Padin talks with Belgian sailor Quentin Debois after he established a world benchmark time sailing a Mini 6.5 from Miami to New York (about 900 miles), a category with no prior official record attempts. This follows his earlier 2026 record breaking transatlantic crossing from Cadiz to San Salvador in the Mini 6.5.

Debois describes choosing a strong weather window with router Basil Rochu, using the Gulf Stream for an average 2 knot push (up to 3) until Cape Hatteras, and managing changing wind strength over the passage. He details his sail plan: solent and main upwind early, then flying UK Sailmakers Matrix spinnakers from the cockpit, and praises his UK Sailmakers Belgium sails, including a reefable solent with a zipper system.

Back in Belgium briefly, he plans to return to New York in early June to repair significant hull delamination found after hauling out in Raritan Bay before preparing to start another Atlantic crossing in an attempt at the west to east record.

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