|
|
2007/07/15 - 22h39
The challenge for Groupama 2, the record for Gitana
|
Défi de Douarnenez - Penn ar Bed Finistère Record
13th to 15th of July |
| The fourth event of the season for the Orma multihulls and the third victory for Franck Cammas and his crew... By winning
all the races held this weekend during the Défi de Douarnenez, Groupama 2 extends its lead in the 2007 Championship ranking
with Gitana 11 and Banque Populaire, tied second. As regards the record, line honours go to Lionel Lemonchois and his crew,
authors of a run of 31.86 knots on Friday.
|
For the four trimarans competing in the Bay of Douarnenez this weekend, the objective was twofold. The morning coastal
course for the awarding of points towards the Orma Championship, as well as speed runs in the afternoon for the pure enjoyment
brought on by watersports and a greed for speed. An harmonious 'marriage' as the skipper of the Groupama trimarans concluded:
"It was the first time that Groupama 2 and myself have come to Douarnenez. The first day was really fantastic with some great
breezy conditions, which enabled us to race two very tight coastal races and perform runs at over 30 knots of boatspeed. We
really pushed our boats in what were some rather exceptional conditions ..." The only glitch: after a particularly
windy day on Friday, the wind gods were sulking on Saturday prior to making another rather timid appearance this afternoon
to bring the event to a close.
Aboard Groupama 2, the satisfaction of a job well done was evident on the faces
of the crew: "I think we sailed cleanly and made the most of the opportunities that presented themselves, especially
with the starts. This was a crucial point on the coastal courses because on the rest of the course the majority of the tacks
were compulsory and there weren't any tactical coups to be had really. The alchemy of the crew is just as good as ever." Of
note this Sunday, Charles Caudrelier replaced Tanguy Cariou on tactics aboard the trimaran.
With a run of
31.86 knots established on Friday, Gitana 11 holds onto the bay record, even though it was unable to equal its 2005 performance
of over 32 knots. "Gitana is a powerful and very fast boat in the conditions we enjoyed this weekend and I'm not at
all surprised to see it rack up the best performance. With our top run of 30.90 knots, Groupama 2 scores the second best time
and I have to say that I'm pleasantly surprised to be so close to Gitana 11. The work carried out on the boat over the winter,
particularly the technical work on the foils, has certainly born fruit" said Franck.
At the end of
the Défi de Douarnenez, Groupama 2 now holds a comfortable lead over its pursuers - Gitana 11 and Banque Populaire - the latter
now on an equal footing on the second step of the podium. The next rendez-vous for the multihulls will take place on the other
side of the Channel: on 12th August in Cowes, for the start of the infamous Rolex Fastnet Race.
|
|
|
|
|
