Groupama Team France, which was in 6th place e position in the general ranking of the LCACWS in 2015 has put the brakes on for the first race of the 2016 season. For several months, the sailors of the Groupama Team France project have carried out numerous training sessions in Quiberon Bay, aboard the GC32 one-designs and have been doing a lot of physical preparation. At the helm of the AC45, the Dutchman Adam Minoprio, world champion in Match Racing, replaced Franck Cammas, who suffered a serious foot injury last November. The whole team was led by Bertrand Pacé and the Team Manager, Bruno Dubois.
On the technical side, the technicians of Groupama Team France (based in Lorient) have been working hard to deliver a perfectly finished AC45. At the same time, 30 architects and engineers are working on the future AC50, on board which the America's Cup will be held in Bermuda in May and June 2017.
"We had a big desire against the best teams in the world. We made progress this winter by working hard, but we didn't know if it would be enough. Now we know more, having beaten the Japanese and the Swedes, and having almost matched the New Zealanders. It's a real satisfaction for the team, it reinforces our confidence. I'm also happy for all the partners who trust us" declared Franck Cammas who, after a three month break, will be back at the helm of the AC45 on Monday for training in Oman next week.
Just off the boat, helmsman Adam Minoprio said "We alternated good and bad this weekend. But it's true that this last day was rather successful with a second place and a nice victory in the last race. We still have work to do, but it's very important to see that we know how to win. When you've done it once, you can do it again. If it wasn't for a few mistakes on some starts, we had our spot on the podium."
Tactician arrived in the team at the end of last season, Thomas Le Breton has not failed in his position: "Our poor performance in the first race has pushed us to remobilize for the other two races. Finishing with a victory is good for the team's morale. Especially since we passed Oracle cleanly, that is to say in pure speed. It's a good sign for the future. A few months ago, Groupama Team France was at the back of the fleet, now we're in the pack and we know we can play with the best. If you look at the results, we're obviously a little frustrated at not being able to grab the podium, which is only two points away. But at the end of the day, we'll remember our progress; third place will be for the next time."
The Groupama Team France crew in Oman:
- Adam Minoprio at the helm
- Thierry Fouchier at the adjustment of the wing
- Thomas Le Breton at the tactical level
- Hervé Cunningham on the headsail trimming
- Devan Le Bihan n°1
The second event of the year will be played in New York on May 7 and 8.
Final overall ranking of the LVACWS in Muscat (Oman):
- Land Rover-BAR (GBR/Ben Ainslie) 76 points
- Oracle Team USA (USA/Jimmy Spithill) 74 points
- Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL/Glenn Ashby) 70 points
- Groupama Team France (FRA/Adam Minoprio) 68 points
- SoftBank Team Japan (JPN/Dean Barker) 61 points
- Artemis Racing (SWE/Nathan Outteridge) 56 points
LVACWS 2015-2016 provisional overall ranking after Muscat (Oman):
- Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL/Glenn Ashby) 192 points
- Oracle Team USA (USA/Jimmy Spithill) 186 points
- Land Rover-BAR (GBR/Ben Ainslie) 185 points
- SoftBank Team Japan (JPN/Dean Barker) 161 points
- Artemis Racing (SWE/Nathan Outteridge) 161 points
- Groupama Team France (FRA/Adam Minoprio) 150 points
Copyright : Eloi Stichelbaut
