With Franck Cammas’ service being called upon aboard Groupama 3 for the record attempt, it’s Gildas Philippe who’ll take the helm of Groupama 40. This sailor from Douarnenez in NW France holds a score of world titles in dinghy sailing and ranked 5th in the Olympic Games in Athens 2004 in the 470, added to which he has already held a position aboard Groupama 2 which dates back to 2005. The possibility of being a replacement arose a considerable while back and as such Gildas and the Groupama 40 team trained together last April in Valencia. In terms of crew cohesion, the guys know each other well and are hence well run in.
Gildas Philippe: “This replacement hasn’t been done at a moment’s notice. I agreed to replace Franck last winter and I’ve organised myself so as I could be present if I were needed. As regards the team, we all know each other and have already sailed together a fair amount. As far as the Extreme 40 Groupama is concerned, it’s a sports boat that I’m just discovering. Nevertheless, I’ve sailed quite a lot on a Tornado, which is fairly similar, as well as a 60 foot multihull. As such things should go alright!”
Tanguy Cariou, a fellow crew from Douarnenez, knows Gildas well through having sailed with him on the 470 and having won several prestigious titles with him: “We’ve chosen Gildas for his unquestionable talent and also because our whole team know and appreciate him. Our aim with him or with Franck at the helm of Groupama 40 is the same: to rank as highly as possible!”
Awaiting the crew of Groupama 40 over the next three days are eight races per day across small scale courses, and an exceptional race zone situated just off Saint Mark’s Square. Hostilities begin tomorrow afternoon, Friday.
Groupama 40’s crew:
1 ) Gildas Philippe (Helm)
2 ) Tanguy Cariou (Tactician and Mainsail Traveller)
3) Thierry Fouchier (Genoa and Mainsail Trimming)
4) Bruno Jeanjean (No.1)