Groupama skipper Franck Cammas is making the most of his final hours
With less than 200 miles to the finish, the skipper of Groupama 3 is focusing more than ever on prudence in the squally weather.
Tacking to leeward of the islands that make up the Caribbean arc, under one reef mainsail and staysail, Franck Cammas is making the most of these final hours of solitude before being thrust back into the public.
Time is ticking by at pace. Initially expected at the finish line late this afternoon (Monday, 8 November) Groupama isn’t likely to make the approach towards the Basse Terre mark before 23:00 local time (03:00 GMT).
At that point there will be just fifteen miles to go in downwind conditions before crossing the finish line in Pointe à Pitre. As to the difficult task of giving an ETA, it would seem highly unlikely that it will be before 06:00 GMT.
Lionel Lemonchois’ course record for the Route du Rhum (aboard Gitana II) of 7 days 17 hours 19 minutes and 6 seconds passes tomorrow morning at 06:09:19 GMT.
Positions at 15:00 GMT on Monday 8 November
1. Groupama 3 – 193.4 miles from finish
2. Sodebo – 263.5 miles from leader
3. Idec – 334 miles from leader
4. Gitana 11 – 588.5 miles from leader
For more, visit www.routedurhum-labanquepostale.com