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The crew of Groupama 4 around the world
As a result, Groupama sailing team has relied on its `hard core' workforce, built up over thirteen years of competition, and fleshed it out with experienced overseas sailors, young enthusiasts, talented racers and confirmed sailors. From the outside the French team might appear to be novices who will be up against specialists from the Volvo Ocean Race, some of whom boast four crewed round the worlds. However, in reality the team has wisely taken the time to establish itself to tackle this event head on, with an appropriate amount of preparation, training, briefings, studies and exchanges.
The three criteria which determine the selection of a crew are as much competitive as they are technical and human.
Besides his role of skipper and technical supervisor, Franck Cammas is also a helmsman and trimmer, whilst seconding the navigator, Jean-Luc Nélias. The latter gained a wealth of experience in this domain aboard Green Dragon in 2009 and in his role as router for single-handed races. The two helmsmen, who lead proceedings on deck and decide on manoeuvres, have been selected for their deep understanding of the Volvo Ocean Race: Damian Foxall and Thomas Coville. Meantime Charles Caudrelier, who has amassed a meaningful track record on the Figaro circuit and ocean racing, has naturally stepped up to the plate with some excellent skills such as helming and trimming: officer in the merchant navy, he is also in charge of the `performance' cell and can replace the navigator in the event of a problem. Indeed certain positions must be interchangeable if one of the crew is injured at sea, which isn't a rarity on this extreme round the world race.
As regards the overseas contingent, Australian Philip Harmer was one of the best trimmers on Green Dragon and a specialist of 18 footers... Meanwhile, among the under-thirties, Swedish sailor Martin Strömberg previously sailed on Ericsson 3 and took part in the America's Cup with BMW Oracle Racing as master-sailmaker. The other Scandinavian, Martin Krite, is an excellent bowman, while Erwan Israël is a familiar face in match racing, the America's Cup Class, the Figaro and the Tour de France à la Voile. Sébastien Marsset started out in the shore crew and is the youngest sailor aboard. He aims to take part in the next edition too. Finally the New Zealander Brad Marsh is the last of the under-thirties and he has vast technical experience, especially as regards the rigging. Yann Riou will be the `media man', a post he'll alternate with Jacques Caraës, holder of the Jules Verne Trophy on Groupama 3 in 2010.
