STEVE FOSSETT (USA) - Skipper 59

Yachtsman, balloonist and endurance sportsman, Steve Fossett has made speed sailing a specialty, setting 21 official world records (14 standing) and 9 distance race records (8 standing) since 1993. Steve has twice set the prestigious 24 Hour Record of Sailing, and was named 2001 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, among many honors.

On the maxi catamaran 'PlayStation', in October 2001 Steve and crew set a startling TransAtlantic record of 4 days 17 hours - shattering the previous record by 43 hours 35 minutes - an increase in average speed of more than 7 knots.

Tenacious in his quest to become the first person to achieve the First Solo Balloon Flight Round the World, Steve finally succeeded in his 6th attempt in the 'Bud Light Spirit of Freedom' (19 June - 4 July 2002). With copilot Terry Delore, Steve has set 9 of the 19 Glider Open records including the first 2,000 km Out-and-Return and the first 1,500 km Triangle. His achievements as a jet pilot include the records for non-supersonic airplanes for U.S. Transcontinental (2h 56m - 726.83 mph) Australia Transcontinental (705.06 mph) and Round the World Westbound (500.56 mph). He received aviation's highest award for 2002 -- the Gold Medal of Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI).

In addition, he has completed premier endurance sports events including the Iditarod, Ironman Triathlon, and the English Channel swim. His complete sports CV is found in tab 'Records'