Abu Dhabi
22/01/2012 - 08h00
22/01/2012 - 08h00
Sanya
3,000 milles
3,000 milles
-
6eSanya04/02/2012 - 00h55383.9
milles -
5eAbu Dhabi04/02/2012 - 00h55140
milles -
4ePuma04/02/2012 - 00h55116.9
milles -
3eCamper04/02/2012 - 00h55102.7
milles -
2eGroupama04/02/2012 - 00h5574.5
milles -
1eTelefonica04/02/2012 - 00h5549.7
milles
Test pass!
Groupama in the Volvo Ocean Race
Among the compulsory tests to validate the construction of a Volvo Open 70, there is one in particular which makes an impression:
the sampling. Drilling holes into the hull of a boat may seem rather unnatural. However, it is an obligatory step that all
the boats participating in the next edition of the Volvo Ocean Race will have to undergo. After a day of tests, measurements
and weighing, Groupama 4 has been declared compliant!
"For the first time, we've tested the hull and deck, as well as the bulkheads, to determine whether or not the boat builder
has done his job correctly so that the rule is adhered to and more specifically that each part is the right weight" explains
Luc Gellusseau, in charge of the regulations within Groupama Sailing Team. "We are competitive so naturally we try to get
close to the limit. However, we're confident as we've left ourselves some room for manoeuvre so as not to have any issues".
Carlos de Beltran, official measurer for the next edition of the round the world race, spent a day at the Multiplast yard
in Vannes. "Today we've been performing sampling tests which consist of drilling holes and checking that the minimum weight
required by the class measurement is respected in each of the boat's panels. This is just one stage and other tests will follow".
Indeed several tests are carried out during the construction and the class measurers can also intervene whenever they want.
"Within Groupama Sailing Team, we clearly demonstrated that our books were open and that the boat was available to those
who govern the rules".
It's now down to the employees at Multiplast to reseal the holes left by the measurer's visit, before tackling the painting which will give Groupama 4 her new livery.
It's now down to the employees at Multiplast to reseal the holes left by the measurer's visit, before tackling the painting which will give Groupama 4 her new livery.
