Franck Cammas' Groupama 3 sails again

On Monday morning Groupama 3 carried out her first test sail off the Lorient coast. A little bit more than a year after capsizing in New Zealand the French trimaran was tested during 5 hours.

Launched on February 11th after a 10-month repair and refit at the Multiplast boatyard in Vannes, Groupama 3 was motored to Lorient. Already masted, she should have started the first test sails last week but the wind didn't make an appearance in the region.

Groupama 3 sails again after more than a year. Lorient, 23 February 2009. Photo copyright Yvan Zedda

Although still light during the first tests, the wind gave Franck Cammas and his crew the opportunity to start getting hold of the giant multihull. During a period of 5 hours, from 10 am to 3pm, the crew was able to carry out a large number of tests without pushing the boat too hard.

Groupama 3 will continue the tests until Thursday and then train until March 16th when the crew will embark on an record-breaking attempt across the Mediterranean.

Groupama 3 sails again after more than a year. Lorient, 23 February 2009. Video copyright Le Télégramme

Groupama 3 sails again after more than a year. Lorient, 23 February 2009. Photo copyright Yvan Zedda