Branson’s Balloon Hits Halfway Point
British tycoon Richard Branson’s hot-air balloon reached the halfway mark in its round-the-world record bid Thursday, with the crew hoping to celebrate Christmas by eating turkey stew over the United States.
Branson, American Steve Fossett and Per Lindstrand of Sweden were about 1,500 miles east of Japan.
“They are pleased with their progress, but there is still a worry about the weather in the Pacific,” ground crew spokeswoman Jackie McQuillan said.
The balloon had covered 8,200 miles and was over the middle of the Pacific, the project’s mission control center near London said.
But project director Mike Kendrick said speed was essential to prevent the craft from backtracking because of a weather problem.
The eastward voyage began in Marrakech, Morocco, on Dec. 18 and, if successful, will finish in Western Europe.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
