Bruno Peyron’s Team Orange, competing in the Jules Verne Challenge, is currently sandwiched between two massive low pressure systems in the Indian Ocean. They’ve already struggled through one storm, the next is on its way. Nick Moloney managed to file a few words before the seriously big winds hit.

‘I cannot remember it being like this at any stage in the Whitbred Round the World Race. I am still having to type with one hand as the other is to hold the screen open on the computer.

Our poor boat has been copping a hammering throughout this storm, the amount of water that has crossed our decks has been amazing. This whole scenario developed very quickly and has been so consistently rough. We have been trying to preserve ourselves and our boat but the seas have been un cooperative. To hove too, as we did the other night, was disappointing but we had very little option.

‘We have now become the meat in a weather system sandwich. The initial low that is creating the trouble and that passed us several days ago has slowed and has given birth to another small, deep depression. A high moving in from the south has compressed the isobars thus giving us constant strong winds. We have been trying to get south but due to the take off and bone-jarring landing we’ve only managed speeds of up to 12 knots. However, in the past hour we’ve begun to feel the effects of the high and are currently clocking speeds in the high teens.

‘I keep saying to the lads that for every tough day at sea there are at least five glamours in return. Well right now we are ready to cash in. It has been very wet and last night began to get very, very cold. Our watch is doing 30 minute rotations at the helm for our four hours in the elements. We have managed to keep eating well but today Vlad and I managed to trash the pasta for lunch which hasn’t done moral any good. Never said I could cook!

‘The noise in the leeward hull at the communication centre right now is incredible. The pitch of the sea breaking over the hull is deafening. I keep getting throw out of arms reach of the computer.

‘Many birds are following us now – not sure if they are curious or waiting for us to perish so they can swoop in for a feed.

‘We need the table to turn for us out here otherwise this is going to be a long and dangerous tour.

‘We are all complaining about the conditions but it really is special to see such fury. While heaving too, the sea was incredible. Completely blown out and chaotic. Visions that you keep stored away in your memory forever.’

Nick