Belgian sailor Quentin Debois shares his world-record exploits and reveals next Atlantic challenge

Quentin Debois recounted his record-breaking sailing exploits at the Brussels Royal Yacht Club (BRYC) in front of family, friends and sailing enthusiasts.  

The 38-year-old Belgian sailor shared the setbacks and sleep deprivation he had to overcome to break the world record for crossing the Atlantic from east to west aboard his 6.50m sailboat.

In January, he completed the challenge in 24 days, 19 hours and 31 minutes, beating the previous record set by the Spaniard Aina Bauza in April 2024.

Despite sailing solo, Debois achieved the record thanks to a team of seven. Following the feat, the skipper praised everyone who supported him: "This record is the result of a long-term collective effort based on shared values. From preparing the boat to crossing the finish line, I benefited from the advice and support of my entire team.”

He singled out some of the people providing technical support. “Basile Rochut, my router, did a tremendous job. He helped me take the right routes, and if this record is broken today, it's thanks to his advice and the preparation of my technical coach, Quentin Droneau.”

Originally from Marchin near Huy, Dubois only started sailing at the age of 31. A friend invited him aboard a yacht in the North Sea and he instantly fell in love with the sport. Following sailing lessons at the Belgian coast he was soon inspired to cross the Atlantic.

The businessman bought his 6.50m sailing boat in 2021, mooring it at the BRYC in Brussels for six months. It was here that he was first introduced to Belgium’s marine community. 

In 2022, he moved to the Loire-Atlantique region of France to join an offshore racing training centre. It was an important step in his sailing career, helping him acquire the necessary skills for transatlantic crossings.  

The preparation for the solo trip lasted two years, starting with a lengthy search for financial sponsors. After eight months of sending hundreds of emails to Belgian companies, Tournai-based legal firm Odigo agreed to be one of Debois’ main sponsors, explained the skipper. 

Following a meticulous renovation of his sailing boat Les Poupoules, planning the route and amassing equipment and supplies, Debois was ready to head to Cardiz in southwest Spain for the official start of the crossing. 

But it was no speedy departure as weather forecast router Basile Rochut had to find the best window of opportunity for a smooth and rapid crossing. Debois officially left Cadiz on 6 January following approval of the World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC) commissioner.

He first headed to the Canary Islands before embracing the open ocean in the direction of the Bahamas. Such an arduous solo crossing required sleep cycles ranging from only 15 to 40 minutes so that he could keep a look out for any potential hazards or obstacles. 

Les Poupoules suffered damage during the journey, including torn sails. Fortunately, the rigorous advance preparation paid off as Debois had replacement ones on board. He also had to put his sewing skills to use in repairing one of the damaged sails. 

Finally, on 31January, Debois crossed the finishing line near the island of San Salvador, setting a new world record. 

Now, Debois aims to claim a new record, but in the opposite direction, from west to east. The record from New York to the United Kingdom is currently led by US sailor J Thompson, who completed this seafaring feat in only 17 days and 9 hours.

With the time window for such an Atlantic crossing restricted to between July and September, Debois now has his work cut out preparing for this future challenge.

Photos: ©Quentin Debois