Greenpeace rams French America Cup boat FRA-69

by French Challenge media on 20 May 2002 The Défi Areva's new boat for the 2003 America's Cup,
FRA 69, was baptised in Lorient yesterday. Today, a motorboat from the
Greenpeace fleet rammed at full speed the starboard side of FRA-69. FRA-69
was at the time moored at the syndicate's base. The damage is significant,
the boat has suffered delamination over an area of about half a square
metre just behind the starboard chainplates, a structurally complex part of
the boat that supports loads of up to 25 tonnes. The damage requires a
complete survey of the boat's structure.

Xavier de Lesquen, syndicate head of the Défi Areva ' This was a deliberate
act of aggression, already planned yesterday, the team have been endlessly
insulted and abused on the water as they prepared for the launch ceremony.
This morning the threshold of tolerance was crossed. These people respect
nothing, not even their own statements about only making passive
demonstrations. I have to remind you that Greenpeace are completely
isolated in this action. This is the work of 15 extremists who have
gathered just for this occasion. Today they put the lives of the team in
danger.'

'Don't be mistaken, the Défi Areva team trains six days a week on the
water. These demonstrators are here just for media occasions. Our sadness
today is because we are now unable to show the people of Lorient our new
boat and join them for the festival they have organised in our honour. Our
team is living a fantastic human adventure along with all of our partners
and suppliers and in particular Areva. The population of Lorient supports
us on a daily basis and share their motivation with us for success.'

Jacques-Emmanuel Saulnier, director of communication and spokesman for the
Areva Group 'We are amazed by this hooligan behaviour, which we condemn. It
illustrates to everyone the intolerance and dogmatism of Greenpeace.

http://www.ledefi.com/