The Groupama 70 crew celebrate their victory with champagne. Image copyright Patrick Eden/RORC.
by Trish Jenkins
Volvo Open 70, Groupama, crossed the Royal Yacht Squadron Line today at 11.26.55 (BST) to claim line honours in the 2010 Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race and take both the race and course records.
Groupama 70 approaches the RYS finishing line. Image copyright Patrick Eden/RORC.
Groupama completed the 1802 mile course in 5 Days 21 Hours 26 minutes and 55 seconds, smashing the course record by 14 hours 3 minutes and 8 seconds.
The Groupama 70 crew celebrate crossing the finishing line, winning the race and establishing a new record. Image copyright Patric Eden/RORC.
There were emotional scenes on board as Franck Cammas and his crew crossed the finish line. It was a triumphant finale for Groupama in sharp contrast to the start, when they were the last boat to cross the line, after they had been damaged on their mooring.
An elated Franck Cammas after the race. Image copyright Patrick Eden/RORC.
“I definitely preferred the finish to the start,” smiled Franck Cammas, surrounded by the media dockside after the finish. “It was difficult for us to give away five miles to Teléfonica, but very nice for all of the boats to see us charging through them in the Solent. This race has been so helpful to Groupama. The course is like a mini Volvo Ocean Race. It has all of the different conditions that we will encounter and it has been really good to race against Teléfonica. The crew has really got to know each other well and we have made some fantastic progress in our development over the last few days. Best wishes to everyone who will finish the race, it is a great achievement.”
Groupama 70 approaches the RYS finishing line. Image copyright Patrick Eden/RORC.
Groupama 70 approaches the RYS finishing line. Image copyright Patrick Eden/RORC.
Cammas - Groupama
Sevenstar Round Britain & Ireland tracker
