Crossing gybes

As Orange II heads west in battle of the maxi-multihulls

The trimaran versus catamaran maxi-multihull match race has taken a new turn in the last 24 hours with Olivier de Kersauson's Geronimo crossing gybes with Bruno Peyron and Orange II.

Yesterday saw de Kersauson's Cap Gemini and Schneider Electric sponsored trimaran heading east passing between the Canary Islands, although she was still to the west of Peyron's giant cat. However since then Peyron has headed southwest, presumably to get some westing in at this stage to ensure a fast passage through the Doldrums.

Now in the northeasterly Trades both boats have been having to gybe downwind yet Orange II still managed to pump out 502 miles in the 24 hours leading up to 0802 this morning. In comparison Geronimo made only 437.26 miles in the 24 hours prior to 2317GMT last night.

In terms of forecasts there is little dramatic to report. Today if de Kersauson sticks to his course and heads to the east of the Cape Verdes he may find the wind to be a little stronger and from the northeast whereas back in the middle of the race course the wind may be more easterly for Peyron and his team.