Artemis Technologies Race Against Time: Athletes Prepare for Record Attempt Across the North Channel

Event Sponsor Victoria Pinkerton Estate Agents

Elite foiling sailors will take on one of the region’s toughest maritime challenges this August as they attempt to set a new Guinness World Records title for the fastest crossing of the North Channel between Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Ballyholme Yacht Club sailors will welcome some of the UK’s leading Nacra foiling teams this August as they attempt to break the North Channel sailing record between Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Three elite Nacra teams - Kevin Dutch & Dave Banner, Mark Sewell & Will Smith, and Chris King & Marcus King - will travel from the UK to Ballyholme Yacht Club ahead of a record attempt from Ballyholme to Portpatrick, Scotland, planned for 7–9 August (weather and conditions permitting).

The current record stands at 1 hour, 30 minutes and 41 seconds, set by Team GB Olympic silver medallists, World and European Champions John Gimson and Anna Burnett in the Olympic foiling Nacra 17. Gimson and Burnett’s record-breaking crossing was set in 2023. The duo were supported on their challenge by Belfast-based Artemis Technologies accompanied on route by Pioneer of Belfast, the world’s first 100% electric commercially viable foiling vessel.

The latest challenge will see the teams take on one of the most demanding stretches of water in the region. The North Channel presents significant challenges, with powerful tidal influences on both sides of the crossing creating steep waves, unpredictable conditions and a test of both speed and boat handling.

The teams will race aboard the high-performance Nacra 20 Carbon, a foiling catamaran capable of exceeding speeds of 25 knots. Maintaining control at these speeds across the challenging waters between Northern Ireland and Scotland will make any successful record attempt a significant achievement.

If successful, the sailors hope their time will be recognised by the Guinness World Records.

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Nacra 20 Carbon