Balloon bid
Leading explorer David Hempleman-Adams has launched an attempt to cross the northern Atlantic in the smallest gas balloon ever to tackle such a flight. The venture is sponsored by XP Power and Toshiba.
According to Hempleman-Adams: “I’m extremely nervous about this challenge. It is on the edge of technology and possibility. There is no such thing as an easy world record. I don’t mind the cold temperatures but I’m wary of having to land in the water. All three of my daughters can swim further than me. In the event of ditching, I will have a life raft, and lots of seasickness tablets.”
The 3425 km journey from St John’s Newfoundland, which could take up to four days, depending on weather conditions, will be an FAI world record should it succeed.
