Press Releases

Meteorology student shatters world yachting record – University of Reading

Release Date : 06 April 2004

A former University of Reading student stepped on to Steve Fossett's giant catamaran CHEYENNE in February 2004 as navigator for an attempt on the 'Jules Verne' Round the World record. The skipper and crew then took nearly six days off the record of 64d 8h 37m 24s to finish in an astonishing time of 58d 09h 32m 45s. As the crew's navigator Adrienne Cahalan, who took an MSc in Applied Meteorology at the University in 2002-3, played a vital role in beating the original Jules Verne target of 80 days by more than 20 days. The 25,375-mile round the world voyage involves negotiating over a dozen weather systems. The Doldrums are notorious as are the Roaring Forties and Fearsome Fifties of the endless Southern Ocean. However, the complex weather between established patterns, such as the Trade Winds, can slow a boat for days. Computers work overtime on best routes but in the end, it's the navigator's call. While studying in the Department of Meteorology, Adrienne did her MSc Project on 'The Southern Ocean Storm Track', and this no doubt helped the crew to a record-breaking pace across this barren sea and to a record across the Indian Ocean. Adrienne, from Australia, helped win the Admiral's Cup for her country and was named Australian Yachtswoman of the Year last year. She has also been nominated as World Yachtswoman of the Year three times (1998, 2002 and 2003). Dr David Stephenson, Reader in Statistical Climatology in the Department of Meteorology, said: "Everyone here at the University is tremendously proud of Adrienne – it's a fantastic achievement." end For further information, please contact Guy Haworth on 0118 926 8994, or Craig Hillsley on 0118 378 7388. Fossett Challenge site is at http://www.fossettchallenge.com