The crew of Orange have surrendered themselves to an area of high pressure in the South Atlantic. Bruno Peyron’s men are coaxing the boat north-east, taking their punishment now to avoid having to face headwinds ahead.

It’s a bit so-so today, we’re crossing the high,” said Peyron yesterday. “The low accelerated last night quicker than the weather models predicted. We’ll have a job avoiding its eastern edge and its 45 knot headwinds.” He added that this has spelt a period of exceptionally hard work for the crew, who have been very busy making and shortening sail. Navigator Gilles Chiorri has has his work cut out as well: after crossing the Pacific with only two weather systems, Orange is already experiencing its third of the Atlantic.

Overall, though, life on board has improved, said crewmember Yann Eliès: “We’re beginning to take it easier with the improving climate. The boat and the clothes are drying out. We’re in excellent shape, the meals are perfectly balanced and we have no skin complaints to complain about, which for sailors who sail for extended periods in the damp on these boats is quite remarkable.

“I’m appreciating and learning a lot alongside Bruno. Last year on Team Adventure, everything was sacrificed for speed. On Orange, management of the men and the gear is the most important thing with an eye on long term performance.”