Just a year ago, Franck Cammas and his nine crew capsized 80 miles off New Zealand following the breakage of Groupama 3s port float. 24 hours ahead of the reference time set by the current Jules Verne Trophy record holder when the incident occurred, the crew was airlifted to safety by helicopter before heading back to the zone to rescue Groupama 3.
Remaining true to its commitment for over 10 years alongside Franck Cammas and his team, Groupama Management renewed its trust in the project by taking the decision to set off again on the assault of the Jules Verne Trophy as soon as possible.
“The adventure we’ve been involved in with Franck Cammas since 1997 has comprised some really great moments as well as some difficult periods at times… This capsize doesn’t call into question the harmonious collaboration and the trust we have in Franck” stated Frédérique Granado at the time, Director of External Communication.
Whilst the guys busy themselves on the 700 m2 trimaran (31.5 metres long and 22 wide), all eyes are on the new, more sober decoration. However, when you look at it up close, certain details particularly stand out:
1. As with Groupama 2, some careening fabric has been laid on the forward beams. The objective is clear: “Groupama 3 is the trimaran which displays the best weight/power ratio. Today we are seeking to gain refinement, both from an aerodynamic as well as a hydrodynamic viewpoint, with the aim of limiting the braking rather than souping up the engine. This careening has demonstrated its appeal on Groupama 2. As such it was only logical that they be incorporated into her big sister” explains Loïc Dorez, head of the Groupama team’s research department.
2. The trampolines which serve as a sole in the cockpit are different: “We chose Spectra trampolines because they’re lighter and sturdier and we have arranged them differently in order to facilitate the movement of the sails on deck. This may seem like a minor thing but when you have to shift the gennaker weighing around a hundred kilos forward, it’s no longer just a detail” adds the 1.88 m tall Loïc Le Mignon.
This resourcefulness enabled the trimaran to be returned to France in record time since less than 2 months after the painful episode, Groupama 3 was back in the yard in which it was created in Vannes, Brittany.
Ten months in the yard and 50,000 hours of work later, Groupama 3 is returning to its natural element for a 2009 campaign of record attempts, which will take her into the Mediterranean, the Atlantic Ocean and finally around the World in November for the Jules Verne Trophy.
The four records held by Groupama 3:
1. The Discovery Route (Cadiz – San Salvador) in 7 days, 10 hours and 58 minutes at an average of 21.7 knots
2. Miami – New York in 1 day, 11 hours and 5 minutes at an average of 27 knots
3. New York – Lizard Point in 4 days, 3 hours and 58 minutes at an average of 29.26 knots
4. Distance covered in 24 hours of 794 miles at an average of 33.08 knots
The three record attempts scheduled for 2009:
1. The Discovery Route (Cadiz – San Salvador) in 7 days, 10 hours and 58 minutes at an average of 21.7 knots
2. Miami – New York in 1 day, 11 hours and 5 minutes at an average of 27 knots
3. New York – Lizard Point in 4 days, 3 hours and 58 minutes at an average of 29.26 knots
4. Distance covered in 24 hours of 794 miles at an average of 33.08 knots