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The French crew must therefore re-cross the same line before 04:57:46 on 13 April to beat the time set by Orange in 2002 (of 64 days, 8 hours, 37 minutes and 40 seconds).

With less than 15 knots of easterly wind on the start line, conditions remained modest, but in line with forecasters' data. They should cross the Bay of Biscay at reasonable speed, taking advantage of the southern edge of the anticyclone now centred over the English Channel. The current weather pattern promises no high average speeds, but a slow succession of anticyclones should drive the trimaran at a steady rate until she picks up the trade winds.

On board, her crew have sailed around the world in multihulls 18 times between them and eight of the eleven members were also part of last year's memorable Jules Verne Trophy attempt. All have a great deal of experience of sailing together and with Geronimo.

Geronimo's latest news is on her website at the address below.

Meanwhile, Bruno PEYRON'S new catamaran Orange 2 is back in the water after just 4 working days of inspections and minor modifications. The skipper is not concealing his eagerness to get underway on a Jules Verne attempt

The last technical preparations were to be completed this past weekend, the boat will sail on Monday for two days of testing before heading to La Trinité sur mer where it will be christened on Wednesday 11 February.

"Our objective was always to be ready, in stand-by mode, by the 15th of February" said Peyron. "We would have preferred to leave with Cheyenne and Geronimo, but they preferred to take this weather window and not wait for us. It is their choice, the future will tell us if they were right."

Peyron's crew will be announced on Wednesday.