Jules Verne Jumble–Fossett, Orange, Orange, Fossett…: Steve Fossett and “Cheyenne” have finally passed the ghost of “Orange I”. After 12 days of sailing, and a very slow start they are now ahead of the existing record-holder’s 2002 record pace. Not very far ahead, and their lead could evaporate again in the next few days as they work their way through the tricky light airs of the South Atlantic High and try to hook into the massive Southern Ocean low pressure systems that parade around Antarctica. But a lead is a lead, and at least they know they are in the fight. Mostly Fossett is focused on “Orange I,” but there’s no doubt that he is also looking over his shoulder at “Orange II,” Orange I’s new bigger, badder brother, which is showing some serious power. In the first day at sea, Bruno Peyron and the 120-foot cat covered 554 miles compared with Fossett’s first day of just 342 miles. “Orange II” has some tricky weather coming up this weekend, but if they get lucky they’ll be at the Equator in under 7 days (Fossett took more than 8). Fossett likes to hang on to records, but he likes to set them even more. So even if “Orange II” manages to take away any record Fossett might set, Fossett will consider his voyage a success as long as he holds the world record for a few weeks. And soon “Orange II” and Peyron will be looking over their shoulders. Olivier De K and “Geronimo” are due back in Brest later this week, and are already looking for a new weather window to set off in after they make their sail repairs, hopefully in the next two weeks. With these two fast boats behind them, looking to steal any glory they might win, what does the crew of “Cheyenne” do to relax? They read (when they have a few minutes) and navigator Adrienne Cahalan conducted an onboard survey to see what books each crew brought along. Here’s what she discovered….
Moose (Mike Beasley): ‘The Brethren’ by John Grisham and Captain Cook ‘Into the Blue: Boldly going where Captain Cook has gone before’ by Tony Horowitz. Why? One for fiction and one is a bit of history Moose can relate to.
Fraser Brown: Lance Armstrong ‘Every Second Counts’ Why? That’s obvious Fraser tells me.
Jacques Vincent: ‘The God of Small Things’ Jacques says he is not sure who it is written by but everybody knows who, Jacques says. Why? He has been 2 years trying to read the book but he will not give up and thought he will have some time on this trip. He is currently at page 26.
Dave Scully: Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Why? Retro inspirational
Damian Foxall: No book brought due to weight constraints and everyone else will bring one anyway. (Well that’s the wrong attitude we all think because what if no one bought a book?).
Mark Featherstone: No book brought either but says if he had he would have bought a book about venture capital he’s reading as he is on the last chapter.
Brian Thompson: ‘One Hit Wonderland’ a comedy book. Why? Wants to keep it all light hearted.
Guillermo Altadill: Guillermo say he pulled some book off the shelf which is in Spanish – and about a drug deal. (G never likes to give away too much information).
Nick Leggatt: ‘Seabirds: Identification and Guide’ by Peter Harrison. Why? What little time he has spare he wants to spend on something educational. (!)
Steve Fossett: ‘What Went Wrong, Western Impact and Middle Eastern Response’ by Bernard Lewis, ‘Round the World Flights’ by C.V. Glines, and ‘Wings of Madness: Alberto Santos Dumont and the Invention of Flight’ by Paul Hoffman. No need to ask ‘why’ there.
Whirley (Paul Van Dyke): ‘Sacred Hoops’ Phil Jackson (it¹s about the Chicago Bulls, coaching and basketball).
Justin Slattery: Only joined the boat with 24 hours notice so didn’t have time to get a book.
Adrienne Cahalan: ‘A History of Western Philosophy’ by Bertrand Russell. Why? Guaranteed never to get to the end of it and had it since 1989 so about time to try and get through it. After 11 days (actually 14 years really) I am still just into the introduction.”
TWC bets that it’s the Grisham that will get the most severe workout….
Adventurous Adrienne: “Hmmm, 65 days with twelve very smelly guys. At least they can read….”
(Photo: Nick Legatt)
The Earthist Chronicles 