Frenchman Gabart sets new round-the-world sailing record

French skipper Francois Gabart celebrates as he sails the trimaran Macif into Brest harbor following his successful solo, non-stop aound the world record of 42 days, 16 hours, 40 minutes and 35 seconds, in Brest, France, December 17, 2017. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

PARIS, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Frenchman Francois Gabart set a world record for sailing around the world alone on Sunday, completing his journey in 42 days and 16 hours.

The time beat the previous record set last year by his compatriot Thomas Coville by more than six days. On his trimaran Macif, Gabart crossed the finish line at 0145GMT in Ouessant, off France's western coast. “It’s crazy, quite surreal, I’m stunned,” said the 34-year-old, who began his journey on Nov. 4.

French skipper Francois Gabart celebrates with his team afer his arrival following his successful solo, non-stop aound the world record of 42 days, 16 hours, 40 minutes and 35 seconds with his trimaran Macif, in Brest, France, December 17, 2017. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

(Reporting by Julien Pretot, editing by Ed Osmond)

French skipper Francois Gabart celebrates with safety flares as he sails the trimaran Macif into Brest harbor following his successful solo, non-stop aound the world record of 42 days, 16 hours, 40 minutes and 35 seconds, in Brest, France, December 17, 2017. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe