Giant Tris getting ready for Round'World Record

Rival camps are tuning up for the Jules Verne Trophy, the all-out, fully crewed round the world record. It is currently held by Bruno Peyron and crew in the maxi catamaran Orange 2 and stands at 50 days 16 hours.

The latest two challengers, Groupama 3 and Banque Populaire V (BPV), could potentially reduce that time by as much as 10%, slashing it to below 45 days in optimal weather conditions.

Fresh from setting a new North Atlantic record this summer and a breathtaking new 24-hour record of 908 miles, Banque Populaire is the first to tee up by announcing their crew and plan in Paris today.

In the other corner is Franck Cammas's 104ft trimaran Groupama 3, which was 2,000 miles ahead of the record time last year when the forward port beam cracked and the boat capsized and broke up off New Zealand.

Since then the floats have been rebuilt and strengthened and Cammas went on to break the Atlantic record this summer, holding it briefly before it was snatched away by Banque Populaire V.

Although smaller, this boat is light and powerful and showed during her Atlantic record that it is faster when the winds ease below 20 knots, whereas the big BPV will come into its own in being able to sustain high speeds in the windy, surfing conditions of the Southern Ocean.

Both boats are well prepared for the attempt: each has covered around 15,000 miles in the Med and Atlantic this season. The giant BPV has done more testing, trialling and tweaking since her launch last year than any previous Jules Verne contender.

So, if everything goes to plan, the record should fall to one or other this winter. But to smash Orange II's record, they would need the sort of made-to-measure weather experienced by Bruno Peyron (and, for that matter, solo sailor Francis Joyon), especially in the Atlantic.

The margins are narrowing, while the ratio of successes to failures remains low. Of the 19 Jules Verne attempts since 1993, 14 have failed.

Whatever spin you put on it the statistics coldly state that this venture has a 1 in 4 chance of success.

Elaine Bunting's blog (Yachting World)

Groupama starts the Jules Verne Race

They're off...at least Groupama is in a bid to break the record.

Here is the website to follow her progress

http://www.cammas-groupama.com/en/

Groupama 3 Make New Reference Time Over Equator

GROUPAMA 3 MAKE NEW REFERENCE TIME OVER EQUATOR
(November 11, 2009; 17:26 UTC) --

As Franck Cammas and his nine member crew onboard the 105-foot Groupama 3 pursue the Jules Verne Trophy, a fully crewed round the world record attempt under sail, they have already reached a milestone. After 5 days 15 hours and 23 minutes, Groupama 3 has crossed the equator, establishing a new reference time over this stretch of the course between Ushant and the line marking the switch of hemispheres.

In the middle of Tuesday night, the crew was able to observe that the clouds and squalls were astern of Groupama 3: the clouds were disappearing from the sky, the stars were out, and a crescent of moon was dimly lighting a clear horizon. They'd ploughed through the Doldrums at an average of over fifteen knots, which remains an amazing performance.

Franck Cammas and his men certainly weren't sparing of their efforts though as they tried to extract themselves as quickly as possible from this Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone, on a mission to drive down towards the equator, which they crossed at 07:13 UTC. As such, they have a lead of one day, eleven hours thirty three minutes over the Jules Verne Trophy record time set by skipper Bruno Peyron and his crew in 2005 on Orange 2

Multihulls can return to the fray

Lest its forgotten this is the vessel that lost an outer hull and capsized off of NZ last year while attempting this same record:

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/general-sailing-discussion/8428-crewed-round-world-record-attempt.html

Down, But Perhaps not Out Yet

Franck Cammas Groupama 3 Head down but an unfailing morale in Cape Town
Monday, 23 November 2009
(courtesy of BYM Sailing & Sports)




Tied up alongside in the port of Cape Town since Saturday, Groupama 3 certainly isn’t being left in peace, far from it in fact. Barely had she reached the dock, then the shore crew managed by Yann Mérour, all of whom had made the trip down from Lorient, had taken control of matters with the assistance of the sailors. Structural analysis of the damage and observations made on site by composite specialists, confirm that it will indeed take a week’s work before Groupama 3 can head out to sea again, bound for Brest, for a new stand-by period set to begin on 1st January 2010.

Benefiting from the technical means available in the Shosholoza base (a team which participated in the 32nd edition of the America’s Cup), Pierre Tissier, Sandy Blanalt, Sarah Lynch and Eric Beylot are all working on Groupama 3’s port float. In a dry, oppressive heat, which is favourable for working on carbon, they have begun by cutting out the faulty bulkhead and then constructing its replacement: “It’s never easy to work in such a confined space. Luckily this bulkhead is very close to the access hatch though. This enables us to poke our heads out into the fresh air on a regular basis. It certainly is hot though!” says Eric Beylot, who is almost missing the gloomy weather reigning back home in Brittany.

Having made the journey down from Johannesburg, three infra-red analysis specialists have inspected the affected zone without finding any side-effects. This is a good thing according to the skipper of Groupama 3, who only rarely leaves his telephone, as he’s in regular contact with his design office, the architects from the VPLP and HDS: “By running the data through their computers again, they’ve realised that the load case which concerns us today was not intended to exceed six tonnes. The sailing conditions we endured very certainly produced greater stresses than that. This is why we’re also going to reinforce the equivalent bulkhead on the starboard float” explains Franck.

As far as the rest of Groupama 3 is concerned though, she’s in perfect condition, ready to head back out to sea and set off once again to tackle this famous Jules Verne Trophy record, the value of which can now be appreciated even more: “It’s clear that in order to stand a chance of beating it, we’re going to have to go fast. We’re also going to have to go far, which we haven’t managed to do to date. It’s now down to us to prove we’re capable of that. From the moment the damage occurred, the whole crew have expressed their commitment to this. I’m proud of them and also proud of Groupama 3, which is an excellent boat. The same goes for my loyal partner, Groupama who, once again, are giving us their support in what is a difficult time” concludes Franck Cammas.

During this time, the rest of the crew are rinsing off the deck fittings and foulies, tidying up their ‘home’ and inspecting the deck from top to toe. Certain lines, such as those which control the descent and rise of the foils, are worn and have been replaced. When it’s time for lunch, conversations regularly revolve around the anecdotes experienced during the first 11 days of this Jules Verne Trophy attempt. These are always coloured by laughter which demonstrates, if there were a need, the extent of the bond between the ten crew, who together form a great team.

Translated by Kate Jennings – Expression

Back on the Course Again

Jules Verne Trophy: Groupama 3 sets out to beat 50 days 16 hours 20 minutes & 4 seconds
Sunday, 31 January 2010


13h 55’ 53’’ UTC: Groupama 3 crossed the start line of the Jules Verne Trophy off the Créac’h lighthouse in Ushant. Franck Cammas and his nine crew set off at over twenty knots in a light N’ly breeze on the back of a mass of rain… This latest record attempt begins with some encouraging, albeit tricky weather conditions.

Returning to cross the finish line off Ushant before 06h 14’ 57’’ on 23rd March: such is the objective the ten men aboard the trimaran have set themselves in order to snatch the round the world record, that is within one minute of the reference time… Indeed Groupama 3 must complete the course spanning more than 21,600 miles, in less than 50 days 16 hours 20 minutes; the reference time for the Jules Verne Trophy set by Bruno Peyron and his crew in 2005.

...more HERE

Closing in on that under 50 day mark

Jules Verne Trophy: Green light for Franck Cammas and Groupama 3 crew
Monday, 15 March 2010


Offshore of Cape Verde, Groupama 3 is powering back into contention in relation to her virtual rival. Indeed she has made up nearly 200 miles in the past 24 hours and her deficit is set to diminish still further over the coming hours! On her 43rd day at sea, Orange 2 was the slowest she’d been along the entire course of the round the world…

Hope coloured proceedings today and Frédéric Le Peutrec’s voice spoke volumes during the 1130 UTC radio session with Groupama’s Race HQ in Paris. The Doldrums was virtually non-existent last night, though Franck Cammas had been rather wary of approaching the zone at dusk. Ultimately, not only was there little to worry about, but added to that the tradewinds are well established in the NE and the fifteen knots or so of breeze is enabling the giant trimaran to make an average speed close to, and even at times greater than thirty knots! At around this same time five years ago, Bruno Peyron and his crew were so tangled up in a ridge of high pressure that they only covered 180 miles on the 43rd day…

End of the week?

“We’re going to bring rain, with the sky full of contrasts… and we’re envisaging an arrival this coming weekend. We set out from Brest (also during a weekend) with a narrow weather window and it was at the back of our minds that it was possible the attempt would come to nothing at Cape Finisterre. As such we’re very happy to have got this far, still within the timing and still full of hope! We’ve managed to remain concentrated on our pace, on preserving the boat and with a pretty decent course in relation to the weather conditions we’ve experienced. The results are positive, even though it’s not over yet. Groupama 3 is a boat which really goes well in the light airs and into the wind, which is something we’ve really been able to make use of, as much in the descent and the ascent of the South Atlantic… We really believe we can do it! We’re eager to see you again.”

There will nevertheless be a ridge of high pressure to negotiate from Tuesday evening, before joining up with a low which will bring with it SW’ly breezes… It’s also possible that these winds may accompany them all the way to the finish off Ushant! As such the wind will ease temporarily, which is why navigator Stan Honey has opted to let them run on a little, by getting a little bit of West into their N’ly course. This will be the final weather barrier then before the sprint to the finish, on a virtually direct course towards Brittany. They have just 2,000 miles to cover now!

Doldrum free… almost

“Last night went well in the end, with just a short calm spell: as such we’re already in the tradewinds, on smooth seas making fast headway without any violence for the boat and the crew! On Sunday we were still in squalls without a lot of wind and Franck was feeling a little doubtful… It’s the end of the voyage though and the nerves are always a tad more frayed! We’re really keen to get to the finish because our nerves are a little worn and, though all’s well with the boat, she is a little fatigued herself. We’re still relishing the sailing but it’s nice that it will come to an end soon too. 24/ 7 in a confined space with the other guys on a boat which is going fast and is sometimes stressful, means that you can’t always be good humoured. All’s well though and right now we’re sailing on a single hull in perfect conditions…”

The final system of breeze should be a little less steady than the current tradewinds so Groupama 3 is likely to make headway in fits and starts at the end of this week. However, the road home is clear and the lights are on green without any major obstacles between here and Ushant, with the exception of a slight reduction in pace in the ridge of high pressure…

Translated by Kate Jennings – Expression


Day 41 (13th March 1400 UTC): 503 miles (deficit = 483 miles)

Day 42 (14th March 1400 UTC): 445 miles (deficit = 403 miles)

Day 43 (15th March 1400 UTC): 482 miles (deficit = 216 miles)

Jules Verne Trophy record

Orange 2 (2005): 50d 16h 20'

On the 44th day at sea, Groupama 3 has made up the ground on Orange 2 very quickly and is now ahead of the reference time. However Franck Cammas and his men have yet to traverse a ridge of high pressure. At that point the giant trimaran is bound to slow down in the lighter breeze, where it will be necessary to put in a gybe before hooking onto a low which will propel her as far as Brest.

Twenty-two days behind, twenty-two days in front! This round the world course, now less than 2,500 miles from completion, marks an important phase: the reversal of the trend. Amassing a lead of up to 620 miles (6th day) and a 492 mile deficit (40th day) off Brazil, Groupama 3’s progress has often been thwarted by rather unfavourable weather. This Tuesday comes as a great relief then for all the crew aboard Groupama 3, who can now view the next stage of the programme in a slightly more relaxed manner and with more clarity, as the forecasts are encouraging for this Atlantic sprint

...more HERE

48 days 07 hours, Around the World under Sail

Jules Verne Trophy 2009 - 2010

48 days 07 hours 44 minutes 52 seconds!

The Jules Verne Trophy now belongs to ten men who have sailed around the globe at an average of 18.76 knots along the optimum course, beating the reference time set by Orange 2 in 2005 by 2 days 08 hours 35 minutes. Franck Cammas and his men crossed the finish line off the Créac'h lighthouse at Ushant (Finistère) at 21h40'45" UTC Saturday 20th March. They are due to make the Port du Château in Brest at around 0900 UTC tomorrow.

The skipper Franck Cammas, navigator Stan Honey, watch leaders Fred Le Peutrec and Steve Ravussin, helmsmen/trimmers Loïc Le Mignon, Thomas Coville and Lionel Lemonchois, and the three bowmen Bruno Jeanjean, Ronan Le Goff and Jacques Caraës, supported on shore by router Sylvain Mondon, have pulled it off: they have beaten the round the world record under sail via the three capes!

In 48 days 07 hours 44 minutes, Groupama 3 has certainly had her highs and lows, as she hasn't always been ahead of the reference time set by Bruno Peyron and his crew in 2005. On the contrary! The giant trimaran had a deficit of just over 500 miles in relation to Orange 2 and was only able to beat the Jules Verne Trophy record thanks to a dazzling final sprint from the equator. At that stage they had a deficit of one day and two hours, but by devouring the North Atlantic in 6 days 10 h 35', Groupama 3 quite simply pulverised the reference time over this section of the course

Multihulls Can Have a Second Life

Remember this vessel back in 2008, off the coast on New Zealand
http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/55138-post9.html

What a contrast!!

.....Setting out on 31st January 2010 whilst the weather `window' was not
particularly favourable, the team's routing led them to sail 28,523 miles,
whilst the official optimum course amounts to 21,760 miles. As such, in
terms of actual speed across the ground, their average speed was 24.6 knots!The trickiest zone, both on the outward journey and the return proved to be
the South Atlantic. During the descent problems arose due to the calms and
on the ascent due to the headwinds

Jan 2011, Two More RTW Record Attempts Underway

Those Frenchmen are at it again.... launching two more record attempts around-the-world in those gaint trimarans.
1) Full crewed vessel Banque Populaire V
2) Solo manned vessel Sodebo


(January 31, 2011; Day 10) - British yachtsman Brian Thompson, crewman onboard 131-foot trimiran Banque Populaire V during their Jules Verne Trophy Record attempt, provides insight into sailing the boat:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The boat, designed by VPLP in Vannes, is relatively longer and narrower
than a ORMA 60 foot trimaran so that it handles bigger seas without nose
diving. The long slender bows pierce the waves and give enormous fore and aft stability. That is a godsend in strong downwind conditions as a strong nose dive can lead to an almost instant forward cartwheel as you often see in the Extreme 40 classes. We can see speeds of 45 knots downwind, and as a wave might be travelling at 20 knots, there is a closing velocity of 25 knots. Its fast powerboat speeds in seas that no powerboat would be out in.

Being relatively narrow for the length and weight of the boat means that we can fly the main hull quite easily, so although pitchpoling is cleverly designed out of the picture, a leeward capsize is a possibility, and we are always attentive to that. There are a minimum of 4 on deck at any time, one steering; one holding the traveller; one holding the headsail sheet and one the mainsheet, all those 3 trimmers are watching the instruments; the heel angle of the boat and listening for warnings from the helm. Day and night we are trying to keep the boat just touching the main hull in the water, fully powered up, balancing the weight of the boat against the pressure in the sails. -- Yachting World, http://tinyurl.com/YW-013111

Tracking: http://tinyurl.com/BP-JVT11-Tracking
Team website: http://www.voile.banquepopulaire.fr/
Brian Thompson's blog: http://www.brianthompsonsailing.blogspot.com/

BACKGROUND: The 131-foot trimaran Banque Populaire V is seeking to win the Jules Verne Trophy, a fully crewed round the world record attempt under sail. Skipper Pascal Bidegorry and his 13 crew began their attempt Jan. 22nd and must cross the finish line off Ushant, France before March 11, 2011 at 19:55:37 (Paris time) to break the record (48:7:44:52) set by Franck Cammas and crew in 2010 on the 103-foot trimaran Groupama 3.

Sodeb'O

(January 31, 2011; Day 3) - Thomas Coville, skipper of 105-foot trimaran Sodebo, has now passed the latitude of Gibraltar in his attempt to beat Francis Joyon's solo round the world record, and is sailing offwind on a near south course down the African continent. "In this first phase of the journey, you distill the emotions of departure," said Coville. "I have flashbacks, I see faces in Brest, and then I will not see a single face for 57 days. Despite everything, from love to devoting myself to a single passion, it's a beautiful symbol of freedom."

Tracking: http://sodebo-voile.geovoile.com/tourdumonde/2011/
Team website: http://www.sodebo-voile.com

BACKGROUND: Thomas Coville (FRA) and the 105-foot trimaran Sodebo is seeking to set a new solo round the world record under sail. Coville began the attempt Jan. 29th and must cross the finish line off Ushant, France by March 28, 2011 at 00:40:34 (UTC) to break the record (57:13:34:06)set by Francis Joyon in 2008 on the 97-foot trimaran IDEC.

******************************************
Speaking of 'cartwheels' as mentioned above, have a look here at how close Sodebo came during her start.

Youtube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP-67_sPgGc

...more photos and text here:
http://www.sail-world.com/index.cfm?Nid=79811&refre=y&ntid=118&rid=4