Represent and unite the French
At the beginning of 2016, Groupama Team France unveiled the new look of its AC45, on board which it is participating in the LVACWS circuit. From now on, the hydrofoil catamaran will be decked out in the colors of France, adorned with a blue, white, red livery.
"Groupama Team France, which rhymes with the French team or made in France, aims to represent and mobilize all French people around this magnificent sporting challenge, but also economic and technological that is the America's Cup. We wanted the decoration of the boat to carry the colors of France and shine particularly among the other boats, we are very proud of the result explains Sylvain Burel, Groupama's Communications Director.
The start of rehabilitation for Franck Cammas
Whilst the team of âeuro sailors led by the trio of Cammas, Kersauson and Desjoyeaux âeuros continues to train, the rest of the team is building the new AC45 Turbo. Franck Cammas, who was injured on 8th December last year, has been undergoing his rehabilitation program since 12th January (the date on which he removed his plaster). At the same time, he continues to attend the preparatory meetings with his team, based in Lorient.
An AC45 Turbo under construction, to be used for the future AC50
The America's Cup is raced on an AC50, but the rules prohibit teams from sailing their boat more than 150 days before the start of the competition. Groupama Team France has therefore decided to build a 45-foot catamaran, the majority of whose parts (except for the hulls) will be reused in the construction of the AC50.
Thus, the sailors will be able to start sailing on it from the end of June and thus train for the Cup, which will start in June 2017. To meet this short deadline, Groupama Team France has called on several shipyards, as explained by Nicolas de Castro, who is responsible for monitoring the quality and construction.
"The molds for the hulls and bows arrived shortly before Christmas in Vannes at Multiplast. The draping of the outer skin of the hull, deck and bows is underway. The same is true for Décision, a shipyard also belonging to the Carboman group, which is currently draping the two semi-PODs and the arms. All the teams are working hard to meet the deadline for a launch next June. As for the wing, the one-design part is made in New Zealand at Core Builder. We will receive it at the end of March. On the other hand, the three rear elements (the flap) will be built at Multiplast in collaboration with members of the Groupama Team France."
Continue training for the America's Cup
Currently, the crew is training aboard 2 GC32, in the bay of Quiberon. "These flying boats allow us to make a lot of progress in the understanding and use of foils, but also in the complexity of maneuvers." explains Bertrand Pacé, coach and performance manager. Some training also takes place on the AC45, which will leave by container next Thursday, but within the limits of the America's Cup rules. "We cannot sail the boat within thirty days of an LVACWS tour event." says the coach.
On Groupama Team France's schedule, five acts on the LVACWS circuit in 2016 and one act to be confirmed at the end of the year in Asia aboard the AC45 Series:
- Muscat: February 27 and 28 (Oman)
- New York : May 7 and 8 (USA)
- Chicago: June 11 and 12 (USA)
- Portsmouth: July 23 and 24 (England)
- Toulon : September 10th and 11th (France)
