Sea, Sail & Surf newsJules Verne Trophy
Orange has paid for the right to take on the fearsome southern latitudes
jeudi 28 mars 2002 –
The voice was clear, like the light that bathes the Indian Ocean behind the lows. Bruno Peyron can glimpse delivery today. The "mouse hole", the passage point under the lows is there. Orange is still struggling, because, although the sea is flat, it is not quite oriented in the right direction for the Giant. As for the wind, it is blowing steadily from the north-west. On port tack, the big cat has got back into her conqueror’s stride. She is flirting again with 500 miles per day. "We’re precisely where we want to bee explained the skipper ; "we’re waiting for a new wind shift so that we can gybe and get onto the most direct route possible. Orange has started her forward march again." And the ordeal is ripe for philosophising ; Orange’s crew is living to the tune of the evolution of lows. A new one is looming on the horizon. The sailors are eyeing it. Each watch is discussing it. How strong will it be ? How is it developing ? And above all what will the sea be like. "At 25 knots in the chop, Orange is slamming hard !" said Peyron. "and the boat is jumping on the little short ocean waves. The weather is glorious and because of our latitude, it’s starting to get cold. Watches are difficult. The helmsman remains very exposed to the spray. We can’t wait for the great downwind surfs !" the complicated weather patterns have once again called on the responsiveness of the crew. "This group is great" avowed Peyron. "Its manoeuvring performance is amazing. Last night again, we multiplied reef taking and foresail changes" About another ten hours effort and at high speed and on just one tack, Orange will be able to start dreaming of Australia.
Quote / unquote...
Bruno Peyron : "Another little effort and we should be able to worm our way under the nasty secondary low that’s been preoccupying us for some days... the cold is back and the boys on watch are taking it in turns at thirty minute stints on the helm under the assault of the fire hoses. The sea is still a bit crossways on. It’s damp on board but it’s the price to pay for remaining on the right track. The south is living up to its reputation ? no surprises !"
Denis van den Brink / Mer & Média / Translation by David Palmer - SeaSpeak
Dans la même rubrique
Jules Verne Trophy : Small respite before further difficulties ahead for Orange
Jules Verne Trophy : Two days beating into 40 knots of wind !
Jules Verne Trophy : Orange lies to, to let the storm pass over
Jules Verne Trophy : The Indian Ocean remains true to form
Photo : JP Epron / Maxi Catamaran Orange
