Orange goes code orange`

Possible weather window to set sail on Jules Verne Trophy attempt this weekend

Bruno Peyron, after having consulted his router, Australian meteorologist Roger Badham, just turned the 'orange' light on. Which means that a weather window is slightly open, and that Orange II's departure might be possible if the conditions hold up during the coming 24 hours.

"We've been observing, since yesterday, the development of a weather system which, despite the magnificent high pressure cell over our heads, might open a window for a departure on Monday," says Orange II's skipper. "In fact, if this high just moves slightly, it might generate a favourable wind angle for us. It's our duty to be ready to seize that opportunity, which would then curiously match the day that was supposed to mark the beginning of our stand-by period.

"All the team are working hard in Lorient, in order to finish the preparation of the boat and the loading of the supplies before tomorrow afternoon. Until then, all the routing softwares are compiling data, which will allow us to have a clearer vision concerning the possible time for our Atlantic descent. We probably will take our decision late tomorrow morning, after our next meetings with Clouds (aka Roger Badham). If the window is a valid one, we'll be leaving the dock on Sunday".