Orange back to Code Orange

Possible transat record attempt to start Friday or Saturday says Bruno Peyron

Bruno Peyron, skipper of the G-Class catamaran Orange II has just made it known that he has stepped back up to Code 'Orange', for a possible start on a record attempt between the Ambrose Light off New York harbour westwards across the Atlantic to the Lizard. Code Orange means that the 120ft maxi-cat will set sail something on Friday or Saturday morning.

"The window of opportunity concerning the weather isn't perfect, as there is still a lack of agreement between the American and European weather forecasts for the half-way stretch, but we have to be ready just in case..." commented Peyron.

"Some are predicting a wind in the right direction for us, while others see what is very much a westerly wind, which is a less ideal angle for a giant multihull like Orange II. Whatever happens, we should seize this opportunity, as there aren't any other suitable weather patterns for the next ten days, and the next stage of our programme means we can't wait around here.

"The members of the crew, who are still in France are going to jump into a plane as early as this evening in order to come aboard tomorrow evening, when we will move away from the berth in Newport Shipyard, where the welcome has just been fantastic.

"These last few extra days have allowed us to finish preparing the boat, which is now 100% ready and which has lost 3 tonnes of weight in comparison to the situation at the start of the Jules Verne Trophy. The conditions here for getting the boat ready are ideal. We make a fine pair with Endeavour... Orange II, the latest G class alongside Endeavour, which was one of the final J class boats. It's all very symbolic! Next episode tomorrow..."