Taking just 8 days 17 hours and 39 minutes to traverse the Indian Ocean, the maxi trimaran Groupama 3, skippered by Franck Cammas, has taken the record held by Orange 2 since 2005.
 
It was at 23:22 UTC yesterday evening (Tuesday 23 February) that Groupama 3 crossed the longitude of Tasmania, to the South of Australia, which marks the exit from the Indian Ocean and the entry to the Pacific.
 
Having rounded Cape Agulhas off South Africa 8 days and 17 hours earlier, Franck Cammas and his nine crew took 17 hours and 25 minutes less than that of Bruno Peyron five years ago.
 
With the Indian Ocean behind them, Groupama 3 is now attacking the largest ocean in the world – the Pacific – the exit from which is marked by the renowned Cape Horn.

The Facts:

• Departure from Ushant: 31 January at 13:55 UTC
• Passage around the Agulhas Cape: 15 February at 05:43 UTC
• Passage of Tasmania: 23 February at 23:22 UTC
• Race time from start line to Tasmania: 23 days 9 hours and 27 minutes
• Indian Ocean crossing time: 8 days 17 hours and 39 minutes (that is 17 hours and 25 minutes faster than Orange).

 
This new record for the passage across the Indian Ocean is awaiting approval by the WSSRC.

To follow Groupama 3, visit www.cammas-groupama.com