Francis Joyon: French Sailor Of The Year 2008

11:22 PM Tue 9 Dec 2008 GMT

'Francis Joyon awarded French Sailor Of The Year 2008' Click Here to view large photo

Francis Joyon, the hardy sailor who won world prominence by not once, but twice setting the record as the fastest solo non-stop unassisted sailor around the world, has been awarded the honour of being the 2008 Sailor of the Year in France.

Joyon set the record in 2003/4 at just over 72 days, which was beaten by Britain's Ellen Macarthur in 2005. Then in 2007 he returned for another try, and this time rounded the world in just over 57 days, beating his own earlier time by a whopping 15 days, and Ellen's by 14.

The announcement was made during the traditional 'Soiree des Champions' organized by the Federation Francaise de Voile. While Joyon has been hailed as an exceptional yachtsman around the world since the 1980's, this is the first time that he has received this award.

The awards evening took place during the Nautical Paris Boat Show with Joyon beating six other nominees to the award.

by Sail-World Cruising

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Francis Joyon: French Sailor Of The Year 2008

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