Franck Cammas back on the competition trail

by Groupama Team France 21 Apr 2016 19:02 BST 21 April 2016

AC45 Series Groupama Team France © Eloi Stichelbaut

Five months on from his accident while training on a GC32, Franck Cammas, supported by his crew, will be back at the helm of the AC45 one-design Groupama Team France in New York to compete in the second event of the 2016 season of the Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series, the preliminary circuit for the America's Cup.

Convalescence complete for Franck Cammas

A single objective criterion was set between coach Bertrand Pacé and Franck Cammas when it came to deciding whether or not the sailor from Aix-en-Provence could return to competition: the latter's mobility.

Bertrand Pacé: "From the point where Franck was sufficiently mobile during a series of training sessions aboard the GC32s that behave in a very violent manner, he will be fully capable on the AC45. As a result, the decision has been made quickly: Franck will be the helmsman on Groupama Team France in New York"

For Franck Cammas: "Racing in New York will punctuate five extremely intense months and a rehabilitation programme, which I've tried my best to control. I focused on the positives the minute I learnt that my foot had been saved. From that point, I gave my all to my rehabilitation and the other team-related activities. I think this approach got me into a virtuous circle, which favoured my recuperation. However, it's important not to lose sight of the tough times where the pain really called for me to grit my teeth. I put myself in the red in a bid to recover as quickly as possible. When you're aware that the group is in training and progressing and you can't be part of all that it's frustrating and inevitably led to tension at times. I had to get back to the top of my game, which took a great deal of effort and self-sacrifice. Today, I'm still cautious when it comes to jumping on the trampoline, but I'm more motivated than ever and I'm happy to be in a position to face up to the competition with a talented crew. I've missed the competition environment. I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank Adam Minoprio, who fulfilled his role as replacement to perfection in Oman. It was a very positive experience for the whole team."

Franck Cammas back abouard the AC45 Series Groupama Team France - photo © Eloi Stichelbaut

Objectives for the crew of Groupama Team France in New York

Aboard the AC45 Series, the crew comprises five sailors. As such, Franck will be assisted by the foursome who sailed so brilliantly during the first leg in Oman late last February. Trimming the wing we have the familiar face of Thierry Fouchier from Marseille, with Thomas Le Breton calling tactics, Hervé Cunningham trimming the headsails and Devan Le Bihan on the bow.

Boosted by its very promising experience in Muscat with one race victory and one fourth place that took them to within just two points of the podium, Groupama Team France has been training repeatedly in the Baie de Quiberon and in its home port of Lorient, with a few sessions sailing alongside Spindrift Racing.

Bertrand Pacé: "We've sought to improve everything that relates to tactical situations. The guys need to have the right reflex actions at the key moment. To achieve good cohesion while manoeuvring, nothing beats rehearsing the sequence of movements. Similarly, we've really focused on the start phases. Timing is all about perception, so you have to work on it on a regular basis. That's how the notion of time/distance becomes more pertinent."

There are no secrets with regards to Groupama Team France's objectives:

Franck Cammas: "The group clearly wants to continue making progress and showing what it's made of alongside the circuit's top teams. We have lots of assets, believe us. In New York, in May, there can be a little thermal breeze, but above all there will be a lot of current off the Statue of Liberty. The East River and the Hudson River converge here so there can be as much as three knots of current. We'll have to know how to play that to our advantage and we'll have to be pertinent in the way we sail our AC45 Groupama Team France!"

The crew of Groupama Team France in New York: (5-8 May 2016 )