Follow the adventures of Bruno Peyron & crew aboard their maxicatamaran
“Orange II”, as they attempt to win the “Jules Verne Trophy”* (& perhaps the 'absolute spped record) for the fastest
circumnavigation under sailpower:
http://www.maxicatamaran-orange.com/
The Jules Verne Trophy has been held by Olivier de KERSAUSON and the crew of the
trimaran “Geronimo”, in 63 days, 13h 59mins, since the 29th April 2004. The absolute
round the world record has been held by the American Steve Fossett, in 58 days, 09h, 32mins, since 5 April 2004.
* The "Jules Verne" rules are simple - any
wind powered yacht and any start time. The start and finish line runs between the Lizard Point on the south-west coast of
England, and the island of Ushant off the coast of Brittany,
France. Orange II started on Monday, January 24th, 2005, at 10h 03 mins and 07 seconds GMT.
The
route is via the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leewin and Cape Horn.
An average speed of 14.32 knots is required, if the 26,000-mile
circumnavigation is to be done within the 80-day time limit (the fictional Phileas Fogg
record from “Around The World in 80 Days” by Jules Verne) .