Fourteen-year-old Antiguan Carrack Jones has broken the record for the longest distance sailed in an Optimist sailboat. He sailed from the Antigua Yacht Club in Falmouth Harbour to Philipsburg in St Maarten, a distance of 100 nautical miles.
Carrack originally planned to depart on Tuesday, November 21 but with a lack of wind his trip was postponed by 24 hours.
Carrack smashed the record set by 13-year-old Lolie Osswald who completed the 80-mile distance from Antigua to St Barts in an Optimist in June 2022.
Jones himself is no stranger to sailing competitively, as in recent years he has taken part in Antigua Sailing Week, the Classic Yacht Regatta and the Optimist World Championships and will be competing in the Budget Marine Optimist Regatta, just a few days after completing his world record challenge.
Carrack was surrounded by friends and family and well-wishers who celebrated as he launched his Optimist into the water on Wednesday in Falmouth Harbour.
Jones was confident in himself, even fooling around a bit about the venture despite the challenge ahead.
Part of the trip was spent shrouded in darkness, as he sailed through night, with only the light from the moon and stars.
Carrack was accompanied by three support vessels that helped him to ensure his safety, but they didn’t communicate with or give advice to the young sailor, not to break his bid for the World Record.
The most difficult part of the voyage was staying awake for the entire trip. Sweets and fresh water helped him stay awake and alert, so he did not veer off course.
Jones, sailor from the age of 7, was inspired to take up the challenge after a young girl from St Barts took part in a similar journey only a year prior to his own attempt.
The world record is verified by the yacht clubs at both ends. His name will be written in the Guinness Book of Records as soon next edition becomes available.
In the upcoming Budget Marine Optimist Regatta, Carrack will attempt to be overall winner as well! We wish him all the best and hope he will enjoy sailing for many more years.
