Franck Cammas commenting on the BMW ORACLE Racing 90-foot trimaran, "It is the first ever boat of this size designed and built for in-port racing and match racing only. She is very impressive, and the size of the mast is just amazing. We haven't gone full on yet. We need to build up our confidence and then we will be able to sail more aggressively. The boat is designed for light winds. She reaches the (103-foot) Groupama's top speeds easily, however much quicker than G3.
Now it would be different with 25 knots of wind, and Groupama 3 would be quicker. But this boat is exceptional under 15 kts. We are still very careful. It's extreme, we must not take risks. There is a lot of pressure when bearing away, we could feel the pressure amongst the crewmembers when we did it for the first time." -- Full comments:
http://tinyurl.com/SButt0914e
Cammas has been working with the American team as a consultant. While competing for the Jules Verne Trophy to set a new non-stop around the world record, Cammas and his crew were rescued February 17, 2008 off New Zealand when Groupama 3 capsized following the breakage of her port float.
http://www.cammas-groupama.com/en/index.jsp http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/showthread.php?t=21098
Another 'Round-the-World' Record Attempt, Groupama