NEW YORK, NY — An unexpected weather window has developed on both sides of the Atlantic, prompting cautious optimism for adventurer-sailor Steve Fossett and his 11 crew who are awaiting the proper opportunity to depart New York on their most recent attempt to break the west-east transatlantic record aboard the 105 catamaran PlayStation.
Recent, see-saw weather has kept the crew on standby since late last month. According to the team's weather consultant, Chris Bedford, the latest cycle might pan out for a departure as early as next week. "We are cautiously optimistic about a fast run to the UK," said Fossett this week. "We'll have another look on Friday and decide whether it is a record opportunity and whether to go code green."
Accompanying Fossett will be Sir Richard Branson, a fellow balloonist and a transatlantic record holder himself in a powerboat.