Hanging in there

A volatile weather forecast makes for uncertain ETA for Orange's finish

Nick Moloney reports from on board Orange
There's under 1000 miles to go and we are doing 30kts straight towards the finish line across a flat sea.

We are trying to hang onto this southwesterly wind flow for as long as we can so the driving brief is 'full speed ahead'. We are expecting a big transition and for the wind direction to shift into the NW. The new wind may not be enough to get us home and there is a chance that we could run short and encounter light winds for the last few miles into the finish...who knows? The forecast is changing all the time so for now we just go as fast as we can to move east with what we have.

I cannot believe it...under 1000 miles. I am incredibly excited. aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! It's a bit sad to have to push aside thoughts of the arrival just incase something happens. Right now its nearly impossible. This is my wildest dream and we are living it.

I think we run out of food today or tomorrow but who cares?

I cannot sleep now I just keep checking the chart and the weather. Received an e-mail from my parents last night......in French??? What's with that??? They cannot speak a word of French...

The sky is grey, the sun is rising and the sea is liquid silver. we are 45N-28W, the finish is at approximately 48N-05W - this really is the countdown.

We are in full wet weather gear, thermals and all. Its a little chilly....but once again...WHO CARES?

ON Y VA ORANGE
A Donf
Nick