Launched on 13th March 2017 in Bermuda, the brand new AC Class sailed for the first time three days later, on 16th March. This sea trip took place in the heart of Great Sound Bay, where the matches for the next edition of the America's Cup will take place from May 26th.
After three weeks of assembly, the French team was eager to test its advanced version of the AC Class. A trial which seems encouraging, according to the skipper, Franck Cammas: "The team is very pleased with the results For a first, it's rather a success, especially as there was quite a lot of wind, 18 knots gusting to 20 at the start! The whole crew is happy. We had a good feeling. We went crescendo and gradually pulled our Groupama Team France along until we made some fast tacks both downwind and upwind. However, we didn't use all the boat's power on this first one, even though we reached 37 knots at one point"
Instead, the crew has got back on track after almost three months without sailing: "The crew is back on its feet after almost three months without sailing: " We actually sailed 1h15 at all speeds. We didn't work on the manoeuvres but preferred to re-appropriate our catamaran in a straight line. The fact that it's bigger helps to gain stability. The hulls are 1.5 metres longer than those of our test boat. We're going quite fast and right away, from the very first tacks, a good balance was achieved. It's a really nice boat."
"It's really nice to finally get to this stage of the project and share this with the whole team. It's true that today was a technical outing, but we can see that all the changes that have been made to make the AC Class more energy efficient, without degrading the boat's performance, are going to pay off!" explains Devan Le Bihan, front crewman.
As soon as conditions allow, the crew will start using the various onboard systems as they should and carry out more manoeuvres, as Franck Cammas explains. " There are quite a few evolutions to put in place before reaching the maximum potential of the AC Class Groupama Team France. We still need another fortnight or so. In mid-April, our latest generation foils will arrive. Another stage in perspective! In the meantime, the aim is to make the most of every possible minute on the water!"
Over the next 67 days, the French challenge will train at an even more grueling pace to be ready for May 26th.
The sailors aboard Groupama Team France
Six sailors are sailing in the AC Class. However, the Groupama Team France team has nine in its ranks in order to be able to rotate between races, notably on the particularly engaging positions of the bowmen:
Franck Cammas (ENG) - helmsman
Thierry Fouchier (ENG) - Wing trimmer
Adam Minoprio (NZL) - Kite trimmer and replacement helmsman
Thomas Le Breton (FRA) - Tactician
Olivier Herledant (FRA) - Wincher in charge of storing the energy needed to adjust the wing
Nicolas Heintz (FRA) - Wincher in charge of storing the energy needed to adjust the foils
Matthew Vandame (FRA) - Wincher in charge of storing the energy needed to adjust the foils
Arnaud Jarlegan (FRA) - Wincher in charge of storing the energy needed to adjust the foils
Devan Le Bihan (FRA) - Wincher in charge of storing the energy needed to adjust the foils
Photos ©Eloi Stichelbaut
