Tour de France à la voile - Groupama 34 settles into the top spot

by Vincent Borde on 8 Jul 2014 After the first day of the Tour de France a la voile that one might describe as `average', Groupama 34's rivals had dared to hope that 2014 would be somewhat different than last year. However, after coming to the fore in the first offshore stage between Dunkirk and Dieppe, the crew led by Fabien Henry has really packed a punch and doubled its lead over the second-placed crew in the provisional overall ranking, Courrier Dunkerque.

Just second in the overall ranking after the first day of the Tour de France à la Voile 2014, there was some doubt over Groupama 34's performance. Was it down to the sails, which were strictly identical for each of the competitors, or perhaps the absence of Franck Cammas, currently competing in the European Nacra 17 championships? Not in a position to answer either one of these questions, their competitors are placing a great deal of importance on every point scored in the overall ranking, the Tour being shorter than last year's without a single stopover in the Atlantic.

Confident but frustrated by this first day with a second, fourth and first place, the crew led by Fabien Henry snatched back the reins and took first place in the overall ranking the following day with a first and second place. However, it remained to be seen how things would pan out in the first offshore event, where we're all too familiar with the tactical risk-taking that has become Nicolas Troussel's signature on Bretagne Crédit Mutuel, as well as the ease of Oman Sail, skippered by the experienced Sydney Gavignet. With regards to Courrier Dunkerque, we also know just how determined and motivated the crew is to beat Groupama 34.

Suffice to say that the pressure was on Julien Villion, the appointed navigator on Groupama 34 since the departure of Erwan Israël at the end of last season. Already securing a win in the offshore races Grand Prix Guyader and Normandy Sailing Week 2014, the sailor from La Trinité sur Mer had thoroughly prepared his tidal charts, given that the currents are particularly strong in the English Channel, and he also studied the weather forecasts in great depth. Supported by a crew, which loves offshore sailing and managed to find the right balance with its rig adjustments and sail trim, the navigator of Groupama 34 gives us the low-down:

'It was a tough race from start to finish. It was competitive too, with a fair bit of breeze and an interminable beat. We had to take a hammering to hunt down this victory. We were third at the start of the course and then we gradually snuck up on Oman and Courrier Dunkerque by sailing fast. What made the difference to my mind was the total commitment of the crew from start to finish.'

Second just ahead of Oman Sail and Bretagne Crédit Mutuel, Daniel Souben's crew on Courrier Dunkerque only conceded three points (a coefficient three race) to Groupama 34 in the end, which now translates as a 6-point lead in the overall ranking. The duel of the Tour between these two boats is very much on, but their two hottest pursuers are ready to pounce at the slightest error. Watch what happens each day on the road to Nice through until 26 July.

Provisional overall ranking after the first sic races:
1. Groupama 34 with 195 points
2. Courrier Dunkerque 3 with 189 points
3. Team Oman Sail with 180 points
4. Bretagne - Crédit Mutuel Elite with 176 points
5. Normandy - Acerel with 166 points
6. Ville de Genève - Carrefour Addictions with 164 points
7. TPM - Coych with 156 points
8. Nantes Saint Nazaire with 149 points
9. Be Brussels Bienne Voile with 136 points