Busy year ahead for Groupama

Maxi-trimaran to relaunch while Cammas and Cariou will take to the iShares Cup circuit

If 2008 has been taken up mainly by rebuilding Groupama 3 after her terrible capsize off New Zealand in February during her attempt on the Jules Verne Trophy, so 2009 will be rich in sailing for Franck Cammas and his crew with three record attempts in Mediterranean, Atlantic and around the world. Beyond these high seas adventures, the Groupama team will also participate in the complete iShares circuit, raced in France, England, Germany, Switzerland and Holland.

Frédérique Granado, Groupama's Director of External Communications spoke about their partnership: "We begin our 12th year of association with Franck Cammas. This relationship illustrates the commitment of Groupama which is long term, faithful and ambitious. When Franck and his crew had to abandon their attempt on the Jules Verne Trophy, immediately after the capsize we reaffirmed our commitment. We are now eager to see Groupama 3 sailing, both in France and abroad. And we will share the experience to Groupama employees who are based in Turkey, Greece, Italy, Tunisia, Spain and Portugal."

Scheduled for relaunch on 9 February, Groupama 3 will then have three weeks of sea trials off Lorient.

"Following the breakage of the port float, we have built two new floats with outer side of each made from solid carbon," said Team Manager, Stephane Guilbaud. "They are heavier but stronger. To counter this the team has worked in other areas to save weight. We have succeeded in particular to reduce energy consumption so we can set off with less diesel."

In addition to this they have been working to reduce the windage of the large acreage of netting spanning the space between Groupama 3's three hulls and also on improving the hydrodynamic and ergonomics to ease manoeuvres.

The 2009 schedule for Groupama 3 will see her cover nearly 30,000 miles with another series of records in addition to those she already has in the Atlantic such as the W-E from New York to Lizard and the outright 24 hour record of 794 miles.

"We 'll enjoy our sailing in the Mediterranean and Atlantic to select the crew of the Jules Verne Trophy," says Cammas. "While the core crew is unchanged, some have gone on to other projects. We will look at sailors who have gone around the world, preferably on multihulls."

Meanwhile Cammas will be working with his old tactician Tanguy Cariou in getting a team together to compete on the iShares Cup. Cammas has already sailed in two events on this circuit.

He concludes: "I want to thank Groupama gives us the means to realise our ambitions for the 12th year. Apart from Fleury Michon with Philippe Poupon, no sponsor has shown so much meaning to the word loyalty. I am very proud and even more determined for this year 2009."