105′ trimaran Groupama III’s attempt at the Jules Verne Trophy has ended in spectacular disaster. Last night the leeward float apparently broke in two and then the beams broke causing the hull to capsize. Groupama III was half way through the non stop round the world record attempt. They had been at sea for 24 days and were a day ahead of current record holder, Bruno Peyrons maxi catamaran Orange II.
Fortunately for the crew of 10 they were only 90 miles South East of New Zealand at the time. Weather conditions further south had caused the boat to take a more northerly course taking her close to New Zealand. At the time of the capsize she was experiencing 30 knot winds and 5 to 7m seas. According to skipper Franck Cammas the boat was handling the conditions well.
All the crew were unhurt and took refuge in the main hull whilst awaiting rescue. They were airlifted to safety by the New Zealand rescue services within 3 hours.
The cause of the failure of the float is not known at this point.
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