Orange II and Bruno PEYRON's crew have just set a new round the world record of 50 days, 16 hours, 20 minutes and 4 seconds, achieving an average speed of 22.2 knots. This puts them ahead of Cheyenne skippered by Steve FOSSETT (USA), the previous outright record holder, by 7 days, 17 hours 12 minutes and 41 seconds and also ahead of Geronimo and Olivier DE KERSAUSON (FRA), the previous Jules Verne Trophy holder, by 12 days, 21 hours 39 minutes and 42 seconds.
PEYRON, during the radio report just after crossing the finishing line: 'It's more emotion than joy. It corresponds to the long hard slog. So there's no explosion. It's intense, violent, just like this round the world voyage. I really love this night, and we're going to try to make the most of it. Everyone is out on deck, and I don't think we'll be sleeping much before we get back on dry land, even if we haven't really made any plans. This is a genuine record, which is beyond dispute. The boat is certainly a classy creation and was handled by a superb crew. We'll have plenty of time to talk about it again.'
Major moments:
The best day: 684 miles, 6 February, going down the South Atlantic.
The worst day: 166 miles, on 9 March, off Cape Verde.
Number of days above 600 miles: 12
Maximum lead over Cheyenne's time: 10 days, on 3 March
