Orange runs for Newport

Back to Code Red for Bruno Peyron's team as the remains of Hurricane Charlie heads for New York

Having seriously considered the possibility of setting sail this last weekend from New York, Bruno Peyron has decided not to seize this first weather window for his attempts on the west to east transatlantic record and the 24 hour records. Thus the maxi-catamaran Orange II returns from being 'Code Orange' to 'Code Red', meaning she will not be leaving within the next three days.

The maxi-catamaran has now set sail as the tail end of Cyclone Charley, is soon to reach New York following its devastation of Miami. Orange II is therefore heading for Newport, Rhode Island, where the preparation of the boat and crew training will continue.

"The forecast predicted a possible crossing time of around five days, which would have been a very good time for this route, but that would not have allowed us to smash the record," explained Peyron. "Moreover, the erratic movement of the cyclone coming up from Florida at this time of year generally has an effect on the stability of the weather patterns in the North Atlantic.

"I know from experience that you can't trust the weather forecasts when a cyclone joins up with the low-pressure areas in the North Atlantic, which is what is currently happening. Besides, in order to avoid exposing the boat to any risks in a berth that is not well protected in New York, we preferred to face what is left of Cyclone Charley at sea. We were confronted with the remnants of this cyclone at around 3 a.m., but fortunately it was easier to face up to the winds than when it was blowing at 140 knots in Florida!!

"The boat is behaving remarkably well in these hostile conditions and we have made our way back to our technical base in Newport, in order to be ready when the next window of opportunity presents itself. The one we?re currently looking at could occur around the 20th — 21st August ».