Orange’s capshrouds and shrouds have now arrived in France from the USA and are currently on their way to the Multiplast yard in Vannes where it is hoped the repairs to the mast will be finalised.

If all goes to plan, the maxi catamaran will leave the dock at 1800 this evening on the tide, to position herself off Ushant with a view to crossing the Jules Verne Challenge start line between 0800 and 1400 tomorrow morning (Saturday 2 March).

According to Gilles Chiorri, the boat’s captain and navigator, the corridor of wind forcast is a little narrower than 14 February weather window that Olivier de Kersauson was able to take advantage of, however, they are determined to achieve the best from the weather they have.