Launched on 22nd December 2003 at the Multiplast shipyard in Vannes, the official naming ceremony of Orange II took place on 11th February in La Trinité-sur-Mer just a short distance from her birthplace. The naming honours was carried out by Olympic fencing champion Laura Flessel, and five times World Formula 1 Champion Alain Prost. After having spent a month and a half of sea trials and preparation, Orange II is ready to conquer the Jules Verne Trophy. Orange is eager to set out on this record attempt. Bruno Peyron, skipper of Orange II, remarked “if a weather window opens up in the next few days, we shall get going. The boat and her crew are ready, in spite of the 6 short weeks we’ve had to prepare. We would have liked to set out at the same time as the others, but they didn’t wait.”