|
|
They
Might Be Giants With Groupama 3 looking set to smash
Steve Fossett's Discovery Route record, watch keeper Steve Ravussin mused
yesterday over a Round-the-World record attempt and the merits of Groupama
3 and Orange II: "I think Groupama 3 is a well thought out, state-of-the-art
boat. We had a bit of a problem with the foil lifting mechanism, but that's
the only thing, so I don't think much needs to be changed before leaving
to go round the world. Maybe some things about the interior layout, but
that's about all.""We have tried to draw parallels with Orange II. Where it comes to manoeuvres, we are a lot quicker, because Groupama 3 is a lot lighter and that's a big plus. We can take a reef in ten minutes and I believe that takes 45 minutes on Orange II? Our average speeds are satisfying enough for us, though I know Orange II has gone faster, in different conditions." Pictures of both giants are here, and very kindly provided by our friends at BYM News 04/30/07 |