We can all make a difference once we realize how we can be better stewards of the environment and our own ecological footprint, make appropriate daily changes and inspire others to do the same. This is the first goal of this event and is intended to get people's attention throughout the world and to understand that the solution is in our hands and that we can take action. The second goal is to encourage and work with the education system in all countries to include classes on sustainability and what our ecological footprints are into their own curriculum, because, as we all know, sustainability starts with education." Lecomte was accompanied by a crew and performed a "staged swim" (resuming the swim in the exact location in which he left the water) using a GPS tracking device, enabling him to accurately track the number of miles he completed thus enabling him to reach a new world record in open water swimming. Lecomte planned to average about a day, swimming eight hours with the help of the current. After about 1,700 miles of swimming, the main sail of Lecomte's assistance boat had been repeatedly torn by heavy winds. The team repaired the tears over and over, breaking nine pencil-sized needles during the trip, but Lecomte ultimately decided to cancel the swim to keep his crew safe. References External links "https://web.archive.org/web/20120322201429/http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2012/03/grand-prairie-man-plans-to-swi.html" "http://auburnjournal.com/detail/203142.html" Report on Ben Lecomte at the US French embassy website. Swimming Around The World. Retrieved 1 Aug 2004. French male long-distance swimmers History of the Atlantic Ocean 1967 births Naturalized citizens of the United States Living people Place of birth missing (living people) University of Texas at San Antonio alumni