Monday, November 16, 2009

Groupama: hull damage forces abandonment of Jules Verne Trophy try

Jules Verne Trophy attempt abandoned.
After five days at sea, averaging 25 knots, with a 345 mile lead over the current Jules Verne record holder - Bruno Peyron's Orange 2 - Franck Cammas and his nine crew aboard the giant trimaran Groupama 3 have abandoned their quest to claim the Jules Verne Trophy after sustaining damage. The boat is now headed to Cape Town for repairs. They crew hopes to restart from France in January.

The trophy was offered to the first yacht to sail around the world in less than 80 days. Phileas Fogg went around the globe in 79 days 6 hours 15 minutes and 56 seconds. The current holder is Orange II skippered by Bruno Peyron in 50 days 16 hours 20 minutes and 4 seconds.

The race rules are wonderfully simple:

Route


Rules

  • Propulsion of the boat must solely be by natural forces of the wind and of the crew.
  • The Jules Verne trophy is open to any type of boat with no restrictions.
  • Crew size is not restricted.
  • The circumnavigation must be completed non-stop and with no physical outside assistance.
  • Challengers must respect safety rules.