Groupama 3 - Sailing News and Videos

France - While attempting the Jules Verne Trophy a year ago, Franck Cammas and his nine crew capsized the sailboat Groupama 3 off the coast of New Zealand. Just before the dramatic capsize, the trimaran was sailing 24 hours ahead of the reference time set by the current Jules Verne Trophy record holder Orange II, and all eyes were on Franck and his team to beat Bruno's world record. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be.

The yacht capsized in a matter of seconds just 80 miles off the NZ coast, the crew had to be airlifted out (see video below), and the boat was battered. Groupama 3 was soon brought into the shipyard to repair the extensive damage, including the breakage of the trimaran's port float. 50,000 hours of work later, the 31.5 meter trimaran Groupama 3 has just been relaunched. She's sporting a new paint job, and the team is itching to get back on the water to show the world what their upgraded yacht can do.

"Last winter, we really came close to catastrophe and losing the boat. Seeing Groupama 3 back in her natural element today takes us back to June 2006, and the date she was first launched. Two and a half years have gone by and we are even stronger today. This is initially due to the fact that we've learnt how to get the full potential out of her, but also because we have made her stronger. Though the shape of the new floats is identical, their structure is different so that she behaves better when she impacts with the waves, which are particularly big in the Southern Ocean" explained Stéphane Guilbaud, team manager of the Groupama trimarans.

The Groupama team have big plans for their boat in 2009, including another try at the Jules Verne Trophy in November. Currently, Groupama 3 is returning to her base in Lorient in Southern Brittany, where her mast will be stepped, and the boat will be prepared for an initial sail scheduled for February 23rd.

- YachtPals Crew exclusively for YachtPals.com

Sailing video: The story of Groupama 3. Groupama 3 sailing from France, Franck Cammas gives a tour inside the boat, Groupama 3 capsized off the coast of New Zealand (with dramatic rescue), and is repaired to sail again.

Tip: To view this sailing video in full screen click the TV icon on the video player above.

Sailing 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

Sailing record attempts scheduled for Groupama 3 in 2009:

1. Marseilles - Carthage in May. Record held by Orange 2 in 17 hours and 56 minutes at an average of 25.5 knots
2. New York - Lizard Point in July and August. Record held by Groupama 3
3. Jules Verne Trophy in November. Record held by Orange 2 in 50 days 16 hours and 20 minutes at an average of 17.89 knots

Related sailing articles about Groupama 3:

• Groupama 3 Capsized
• Franck Cammas Interview
• Trimarans
• Groupama 3 (all articles about Groupama 3)