Nick Maloney, aboard the maxi-cat Orange, describes the conditions on reaching the half way stage of the Jules Verne

“Late on Friday night about midnight local time we crossed the half way point in Longitude. It was a very special moment for us all. Progress has been great but the squalls have lost their punch and the wind is shifting into the west and dropping in strength.

“We’ve had some great sailing over the past two days, safe and very fast and we’ve been able to keep charging through the night, which is good for the daily run.

“We’re currently (Saturday morning) under full main and spi And favouring the north due to a high pressure system that we will need to negotiate in the next day or so.

“I think we’re likely to experience a reasonable period of strong upwind conditions over the next few days.

“There was an incredible clear sky for half of our watch last night which was, as usual, spectacular. It’s amazing how bright the stars are at sea without land lights taking away there sharp edges.

“I was at the helm this morning, running deep to keep speed down while Pepeche worked on the tack of the spi. I was always watching him, making sure that I did not sweep him off with a wave. It suddenly occurred to me that the swells are huge. It was quite a sight.

“I’m happy to be watching our westerly latitude reduce ever hour. It’s an amazing tour and one that I will be a little sad to finish. It’s a little crazy, sometime feel like I could stay out here forever, but there’s a goal and the clock is ticking so we need to keep pushing the miles aside.

“One day I may do this without a goal or a destination.”

Nick

POSITION REPORT (Day 36 at sea)

COMPARISON TABLE / JULES VERNE TROPHY

Monday 6th April 2002 0808 GMT

POSITION ORANGE

Position : 51°3’S / 172°21′ W

Speed 24h : 19.83

Distance since departure : 15269.49 miles

Distance 24h : 477.54 miles

COMPARISON TO SPORT ELEC IN 1997

Position : 49°00 ‘S / 166°25’ E

Speed 24h : 18.08

Distance since departure : 12810.00 miles

Distance 24h : 434 miles