Franck Cammas wins the Route du Rhum - La Banque Postale

[Source: Franck Cammas - Groupama] It was at 15 hours 16 minutes 47 seconds (GMT) today that the skipper of Groupama took victory in his first solo transatlantic race! Beneath the glorious sunshine of Guadeloupe and surrounded by a horde of spectator craft, Franck Cammas couldn't conceal his happiness and his emotion. He covered the 3,539 miles in 9 days 3 hours 14 minutes and 47 seconds, at an average speed of 16.14 knots... Franck Cammas' achievement is a sizeable one on a trimaran spanning 31.5 metres in length and 22.5 metres wide! In fact she is the biggest boat that has ever competed in the Route du Rhum la Banque Postale! Hearty congratulations to Franck for expertly helming his Groupama 3.

Franck Cammas crosses the finish line victorious. Pointe-à-Pitre, 9 November 2010. Video copyright Route du Rhum - La Banque Postale

After a triumphant departure from Saint Malo where they took the lead of the fleet from the off, Groupama 3 and her skipper led the Ultimate fleet virtually from beginning to end, only conceding their leadership during the first 24 hours. Since 31st October 1202 GMT, Franck Cammas hasn't once eased off the pace aboard Groupama 3. After a series of tack changes, gybes and brainstorming sessions with his routers Jean Luc Nélias and Charles Caudrelier, the 38 year old skipper takes victory on the highest step of this much coveted podium thanks to his southerly route. This solo victory was all that was lacking in the list of achievements racked up by this passionate and talented sailor.

Groupama and Franck Cammas have been together for 13 years now. Loyalty and commitment form the backbone of the insurance and banking group and they unquestionably play a large part in this success.