Groupama |Demasted

Press release of the 04/04/2012 2012/04/04 - 19h16 Groupama 4 dismasts 650 miles from the finish in Itajai It was at around 1500 UTC today that Franck Cammas announced to his shore crew that Groupama 4 had dismasted 60 miles offshore of the coast of Uruguay, whilst leading the fifth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race. When the incident happened, Groupama 4 was sailing upwind on port tack in a northerly wind of around twenty knots. The mast broke level with the first spreader (around ten metres above the deck). When the spar fell, bowman Brad Marsh suffered a slight injury to his forearm. Franck Cammas indicated that he wasn't requesting assistance and that he'd temporarily suspended racing. Two options are being studied: 1/ To continue the race under jury rig towards Itajai, the finish venue, some 650 nautical miles ahead. 2/ To make for Punta del Este, wait for the new mast (stored in Rotterdam), rig it and then head back into the race from the point where they suspended racing (at 1500 UTC) to make for Itajai. Further information will be communicated as soon as possible. Find the last pictures in the multimedia library of the press area. A communication's project to support the group's internationalisation. For more than 14 years, Groupama has chosen sailing sponsorship as a lever to support its strategy in the service of its clients. One of France's leading insurance firms and the 15th largest insurer in Europe, the Group boasts a turnover of 17.6 thousand million Euros (2010). Established in 14 countries, the Group comprises 38,500 employees, including 10,500 overseas, where it achieves 30% of its turnover. The commitment to a more international sporting project has to support the construction of a European insurance group and a bank. www.groupama.com The Volvo Ocean Race A crewed round the world race with stopovers, the Volvo Ocean Race, formerly known as the Whitbread, will set out from Alicante (Spain) on 5 November 2011 for its eleventh edition. Spanning 8 months and 10 stopovers, the participating crews will cover over 39,270 miles over 4 oceans. The race will conclude in Galway (Ireland) on 7 July 2012 after making a stopover in Lorient, France, Groupama sailing team's base, from 16 June to 1 July 2012. Groupama 4 is the first French boat to compete in the event since 1993. www.volvooceanrace.com