Jules Verne Trophy - Groupama congratulates Banque Populaire crew

by Welcome On Board on 7 Jan 2012 Jules Verne Trophy - Maxi Banque Populaire V crossed the finish line at 22:14:35 GMT this Friday after sailing around the world in 45 days 13 hours 42 minutes 53 seconds days at an average speed of 26.51 knots, covering a total distance of 29,002 miles.

A little less than two years ago, on 20 March 2010, Groupama 3 won the Jules Verne Trophy with a time of 48 days and seven hours. Competing today in the Volvo Ocean Race, Franck Cammas, on a stopover in Abu Dhabi, has naturally been tracking the maxi trimaran's progress in her conquest of the Jules Verne Trophy.

'The first part of their round the world was incredible with a lead of over 2,000 miles at times. In the second half, they kept up the pace to round off the voyage with a lead of over two days. Obviously it's a superb performance as it's always complicated to sail around the world. Aboard boats which go so fast, you have to know how to keep pace and drive them at the right speed so as not to break them. The crew of Banque Populaire knew how to do it and they did a fine job'.

Very interested in the technical aspects, the Groupama skipper is also keen to congratulate the shore crew: 'Frustration has often coloured the past three years so I'd like to spare a thought for those who haven't had the opportunity to sail. Hats off to Ronan Lucas, the team manager. Between the build and the sailing, he's the one that has played the biggest part in this project'.

Meantime Fred Le Peutrec has broken his own record: 'Fred had nothing to lose. Bravo to him. He's involved in all the fine projects. He's a superb helmsman who knows how to go fast, with refinement'.

Thierry Martel, CEO of Groupama, adds: 'Groupama warmly congratulates Loïck Peyron and all the crew of Banque Populaire 5 for this fantastic record which, once again, goes some way to contributing to the influence French sailing has in the world'.

It remains to be seen if this new record will soon be beaten: 'I have no intention of returning to it any time soon. Record hunting is extraordinary, but also very special as there is no direct confrontation, in contrast to the Volvo Ocean Race which involves the world's best crews. That's what I'm passionate about.'

'However, you can obviously rack up a time of under 45 days with Groupama 3 and Banque Populaire alike. You just need the weather on your side, along with the gear' concludes Franck Cammas.

Groupama Sailing Team website