Last night the maxi-trimaran Groupama 3 – skippered by Franck Cammas – passed the Ambrose Light on her way out of New York harbour. The crew now has 2,925 miles ahead of it before reaching Lizard Point, the Southwestern tip of Britain. The time to beat? 4 days 3 hours 57 minutes 54 seconds. To stand a chance of beating her own reference time, set on 24 July 2007, Groupama 3 will have to cross the finish line prior to Monday 3 August at 00h 09′ 10” UT.

Sylvain Mondon from Météo France, Groupama 3’s onshore router, explained: “Groupama 3 set off Wednesday evening in a 20 to 25 knot southerly wind. A line of stormy squalls from the southwest hit New York during the course of the afternoon and produced a considerable wind increase on its way through. This enabled us to take the start a little earlier than we initially planned.”

The weather window opening ahead of Groupama 3 is forecast to see some stiff conditions and a steady rhythm, which will certainly appeal to Franck Cammas and his crew.

To follow the crew, visit www.cammas-groupama.com