Peyron announces Orange II program

Maxi-catamaran to take on Atlantic and Mediterranean records prior to fresh Jules Verne attempt

Bruno Peyron's Orange II maxi catamaran arrived yesterday in Brest harbour, to take part in the Brest 2004 festivities. This well attended event is an opportunity for the crew and the boat's partners to sail every day, while showing off the boat to thousands of spectators wandering on the docks. Bruno Peyron seized the occasion to confirm the major dates of the giant's forthcoming program...

Q: What is your high-tech giant doing among traditional tall ships?

BP: First of all, we were invited by the city of Brest, and wished to bring a touch of the future to this great gathering. It's a very good idea to welcome our modern boats in such a splendid traditional event. Being based in Lorient, it was easy for us to come over here, and it was a good opportunity to show the catamaran and the way she sails to quite an amount of spectators.

Q: What's next, the Atlantic Ocean and a shot at the New York - Lizard Point record?

BP: Pushing a boat hard on the Atlantic at this time of the year is a bit ambitious, but we'll set our objectives progressively. First thing, we'll try and beat the 24 hour record, then try and become the first crew to reach the 700 miles mark. We were the first to reach 600 miles aboard Club Med in 2000, now we have to do better than the current record, set at 694,78 miles. In order to achieve this, we have to be in the middle of the North Atlantic, ready to catch a hypothetical ideal weather window, even though we now it's not the best period to make such an attempt.

Q: How many crew members will be aboard Orange II for this challenge?

BP: Our goal is to leave with the boat as light as possible. I reckon we'll sail with two watches of five; plus myself being off watch - that adds up to 11 people. I think we'll try to leave around 25 July. We should be in New York by 5 August and be in stand-by mode shortly after that.

Q: Then back to Marseilles around 15 September, for a two month program of training sessions and record attempts?

BP: That's right. We'll have a shot at the Mediterranean record, which is a tough record to beat since the current benchmark time is at a high average speed. What's more, it's a bit more violent because of the Mistral... But it's good, it's a course favourable to drive fast, and that's easy for the media to follow - yet the boat is put to the test in such conditions. We'll be preparing for the Jules Verne Trophy by then, and with the storms that reach Brittany at this period, we'll be better off in the south of France to train and to sail with our partners. And Marseilles is the boat's homeport, we've always been deeply attached to this city that has been changing dramatically since a few years, opening up more and more towards the sea and our sport.