Little America's Cup - Groupama C takes third win in three races

by Sail-World NZL on 16 Sep 2015 The six competitors still in contention in the 'LITTLE Cup better known as the 27th edition of the Little America's Cup, waited five hours on Lake Geneva for racing to start.

The seventh competitor Cogito2015 withdrew from the regatta after damaging her wingsail in a capsize in the second race of Day 1.

Eventually the the lethargic breeze appeared but never exceeded 10 kts.

After a cautious start at the committee boat, defending champions Franck Cammas and Louis Viat (Groupama C) quickly took the lead.

Groupama C rounded the first mark with a very comfortable lead over Axon, demonstrating the development work undertaken by Groupama C since winning the last regatta in the 25ft wingsailed foiling catamarans in Falmouth in 2013.

In a puffy and dying breeze the French America's Cup skipper and crew kept increasing their lead.

Behind Franck and Louis, the Axon Project (Marie and Morelle Benoit) seized a beautiful second place ahead of Norgador skippered by Arnaud Psarofaghis.

Disappointment came again the French duo Besson and Vandame (Team Gstaad) aboard a boat not sufficiently developed for them to demonstrate their sailing talent.

The start time for tomorrow's racing has been bought forward to 10:00 am, in contrast to Tuesday, there is a possibility of strong winds in the afternoon.

Overall standings Little Cup after the first three races:

1. Groupama Sailing Team, 3 points
2. Axon Racing 7 points
3. Norgador, 8 points
4. Rafale - ETS, 18 points
5. Cogito 2015, 18 points
6. Blue Sentient, 19 points
7. Team Gstaad Yacht Club, 19 points