On Saturday 14 May, sailing yacht Groupama 4, the first Volvo 70 built in France, was launched at 1400 GMT, opposite Groupama Sailing Team’s base in Lorient. Groupama’s representatives, the sailors, the members of the shore team and an enthusiastic crowd attended this important stage of the project led by skipper Franck Cammas.
At 1126 hours BST on Sunday, the sailing yacht Groupama 70 took victory in the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland off the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. By sailing the 1,802 miles in 5 days 21 hours and 26 minutes at an average speed of 12.74 knots, the French crew broke the previous record. Sailing yacht Telefonica Azul took 2nd place.
Race leader Sailing yacht Groupama managed to struggle past the light winds around the Isle of Lewis and into fresher north easterly breeze. Getting to the breeze first means that they have opened up an 18 mile lead on rivals Telefónica Azul.
Franck Cammas’ Volvo Open 70, Groupama, was the first yacht to round Muckle Flugga at 1400 BST. They are now heading southwest at a speed of over 17 knots with their 19-mile lead rapidly increasing over their rivals Telefonica Azul, who are still beating up to Muckle Flugga.