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Lyonnaise des Eaux started at almost the same time as ENZA but finished behind
Description
This year again, ENZA isn't alone in taking on the challenge. Olivier de Kersauson is back, aboard the trimaran Lyonnaise des Eaux Dumez, which is also one of the largest multihulls in the world. We learn that the "ODK" trimaran reached the equator some nine hours after ENZA. Ahead of schedule, the catamaran of Blake and Knox-Johnston reached this first major geographical marker after 7 days, 4 hours, and 24 minutes at sea; 39 hours less than Bruno Peyron in 1993. Because it is above all this potential competitor that concerns the New Zealand and British skippers. The distances covered by ENZA, the boat's average speed, are constantly being compared with the past achievements of the first holder of the Jules Verne Trophy. The catamaran's performance is not affected by the bad weather. Since entering the Indian Ocean, the boat's average speed has increased to 16.57 knots. ENZA is widening the gap between itself and its phantom rival, Commodore Explorer, leaving Lyonnaise des Eaux Dumez, its direct competitor, more than 1,400 nautical miles (2,592 km) behind. Lyonnaise des Eaux left the Pacific four days ahead of Commodore Explorer, but 26 hours behind ENZA. During the return leg up the Atlantic, it was unable to close the gap.