Fossett to set sail
2003-06-05 13:29
Norfolk - Millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett's $8m catamaran is drawing gawkers at Bay Point Marina, where it is poised to embark on a shot at a world sailing record.
The custom-built, 37.5m PlayStation is docked at one of the few private piers roomy enough to accommodate its 18m width.
Last summer, Fossett became the first person to fly a hot-air balloon solo around the world. Now he's using Norfolk as a home port from which to reclaim his record for the longest distance sailed in 24 hours.
A British vessel recently broke Fossett's record of 687 nautical miles (1 271km) by sailing 694 nautical miles (1 284km).
"Most people are so intimidated by the difficulty of these things that they never even get started," Fossett told The Virginian-Pilot newspaper. "I don't let anybody scare me away with talk of the difficulties. I just tackle things one bite at a time. It's surprising how much you can accomplish like that."
High seas that damaged the boat and nearly flipped it over caused Fossett to abort an attempt at the 24-hour record over the weekend.
Fossett headed home to Beaver Creek, Colorado, Monday but left the boat behind. He'll consult with meteorologists through June, waiting for the perfect moment to launch. - Sapa-AP
- SAPA