Nick Moloney, watch leader aboard the maxi yacht Orange, talks about life on board as the Jules Verne Challenge team heads for the equator.

We have had an awesome 30 hours. Orange is just cruzin. We were supposed to lose the wind yesterday (Thursday 7 March) but we have maintained strength 18-20 knots and direction 90-110. Speed is always around 20 knots.

Should pass Cape Verde to the west tonight or early hours of tomorrow morning and be under 1,000 to the equator.

Today has been overcast which is a slight relief as we got a little too much sun on the face yesterday. Were back in foul weather gear this morning with boatspeed hitting 30 knots and a bit too much spray about. A little hot but happy to be stonking. Shorts and T-shirt since lunch time.

We have been changing sails a lot since the beginning but that has slowed a little due to consistent speed and direction of the wind here in the Trade Winds. Have just changed from reacher to gennaker to get away (west) of the Cape Verde islands.

Starting to see strong cloud influence in the night so the big squalls are not too far away.

The food has been amazing, all things considered. Last night duck with cheese ravioli.

I am so happy to be warm. I was not made to live in a cold climate.

Bruno is on the helm leading the charge.

Bye for now

Nick