|
|
2009/05/15-09h58
Groupama 3 has set off!
|
| Mediterranean crossing record, Marseilles / Carthage |
| Groupama 3 set off on the Mediterranean record this Friday morning at exactly 0719 UT according to the representative from
the W.S.S.R.C, responsible for observing the departure of the maxi trimaran owned by the insurer-banker Groupama.
|
Groupama 3 will have to arrive in Carthage before 01hrs 15' 33'' (UT) on Saturday 16th May in order to break the record
set by Bruno Peyron.
Squalls and reduced visibility accompanied her passage across the start line situated abeam of the
Pomegues lighthouse (43° 15.7' N- 005° 17.4' E), at the exit from the harbour of Marseilles, on the islands of Frioul.
Franck
Cammas and his 6 crew set off with 2 reefs in the mainsail, staysail and gennaker aloft. The atmosphere onboard was one of
concentration as the conditions expected throughout the course (458 miles) will most certainly be feisty. Groupama 3 is heading
southwards on starboard tack in a freshening tramontana and building seas.
The first gybe is scheduled for around
1200 UT between 50 and 70 miles to the North-East of the Balearics. Around this zone the waves will be between 4 and 4.5 metres
and there will be 30 to 35 knots of breeze, gusting to 40 knots!
On the way out of the harbour of Marseilles, the target
speed of 32 knots was reached!
So they're off, bound for the open ocean with the wind in their sails and the bit
between their teeth...
|
|
Latest news in brief:
 |
|
|
|
|
