Bruno Peyron’s maxi-cat, Orange, currently challenging for the Jules Verne Trophy, is experiencing more extreme conditions which could affect the boat’s recent delamination repairs.

They are currently running south in strong winds and steep waves with boat speed in excess of 30 knots towards an ice field. And as Nick Maloney commented in his most recent report: “It’s time to start crossing those fingers and toes. We are doing 33-35 knots, the new watch has just taken over and I honestly feel like we are out of control. Maybe it’s because I am tucked into the stern of the port hull which houses the media station? I am sitting with my feet braced against the bulkhead just waiting to plunge into a pit and stop. There are enough people on deck so I’ll just keep typing away.

“We are experiencing some strong squall activity again. I can feel the front beam just touching on some of the big surfs.”

POSITION REPORT

COMPARISON TABLE / JULES VERNE TROPHY

Thursday 4 April 2002 1124at GMT

POSITION ORANGE

Position: 54°3’S / 161°8′ E

Speed 24h: 20.35

Distance since departure: 14,282.84 miles

Distance 24h: 488.49 miles

COMPARISON TO SPORT ELEC IN 1997

Position: 49°15 ‘S / 141°55’ E

Speed 24h: 19.53

Distance since departure: 11,862 miles

Distance 24h: 468 miles