Orange II crosses the line

On Jules Verne Trophy attempt PLUS photos from Gilles Martin-Raget

Orange II crossed the start line of her attempt on the Jules Verne Trophy at 07:41:00 GMT this morning. This represents the 17th ever attempt on this course.

At the time the 120ft maxi-catamaran was sailing with one reef in the main and a staysail with Peyron at the helm. Conditions were ideal with a flat sea and easterly winds of 21-23 knots. To break their existing record Peyron and his crew of 14 must recross the line between Ushant and the Lizard no later than 16:17:24 GMT on 22 April.

The reason Peyron has left at the moment is that a high pressure system is currently centred over the UK and is working its way north. This should propel the maxi catamaran away from France at the fastest possible speed. Even better is that an area of low pressure is shortly to be centred just off the northwest African coast with the north Atlantic high trying to reform this will create a very strong area of northeasterly winds that should take Orange II down to the Trades. De Kersauson and the Geronimo team must be fuming that he has missed this window.

More photos on the following pages