Sea, Sail & Surf newsJules Verne Trophy
Orange in the fifties for the first time
dimanche 31 mars 2002 –
Nicely wedged in the narrow corridor of wind generated by a deep low to the south (975 hPa) and a high under Australia, the maxi-catamaran Orange has gone down today into the 50s. On the edge of the low, the giant is enjoying reaching winds just right for lining her up well for entering the Pacific Ocean. Leeuwin will be passed this afternoon, about a dozen hours quicker than Sir Peter Blake. "The Indian has cost us two days" explained Peyron. "This first month at sea has been full of difficulties. We have lost time, but we’re still kicking ; the boat is in good shape and the crew is showing exceptional qualities in the face of adversity !" Orange will be changing course today slightly to the north-east, before diving down again into the Fifties. The iceberg watch is being organised and is all the talk on board. The radar is on and everyone is systematically on the ball. "But we’re not going to play with those" said Peyron reassuringly. "In these latitudes, icebergs are not identified and we don’t have any reliable information to locate them..."
The wind is cold, the atmosphere humid, but a little patch of blue sky brightened for a few brief instants the 27th birthday of the youngest member of crew, Sébastien Josse. "I’ve always dreamt about sailing down here", said the sailor from Nice, "but celebrating one’s birthday down here is quite magic ! " The spartan life on board was brightened up a bit for the occasion, hot meal, ham, cake with candles... and presents from the pals.
Quote / unquote
Bruno Peyron : "With ’chute and full main we’re taking advantage of a good vein of wind, the boat’s surfacing at 26 knots. 30 days at sea, soon, and already almost halfway round the world ! The Indian Ocean lived up to its reputation. I’m fairly confident that the Pacific will be more favourable. In any case, the crew and the boat are in top form to send the speedo off the clock !"
Sébastien Josse : "A really nice day. At last a good hot meal, with a cake and two or three little surprises... and the sun came out. For someone from Nice like me that’s a great birthday present because temperatures have tumbled. Yet we’re wearing 3 or 4 layers of fleece... and woe betide anyone who forgets his gloves or woolly hat when going on watch !"
Denis van den Brink - Mer & Média / Translation David Palmer - SeaSpeak / Orange
Map : Orange around the world
Dans la même rubrique
Jules Verne Trophy : Last chicane before cape Leeuwin
Jules Verne Trophy : Like on a conveyor belt… at 31.2 knots speed !
Jules Verne Trophy : Orange has paid for the right to take on the fearsome southern latitudes
Jules Verne Trophy : Small respite before further difficulties ahead for Orange
