1945-

American yachtsman, balloonist, and endurance sportsman who made a career of setting world sports records during his worldwide adventures. Fossett swam the English Channel in 1985. In 1992 he participated in the Idatarod Dogsled Race. In 1995 he made the first solo transpacific balloon flight. He was also the first balloonist to cross Asia, the South Atlantic Ocean, and the Indian Ocean. By the end of the 1990s Fossett had set over 10 World Sailing records, including the 24-hour record (580.23 miles), and eight yacht race records.