It was at 15 hours 16 minutes 47 seconds (GMT) yesterday that the skipper of Groupama took victory in his first solo transatlantic race.

He covered the 3,539 miles in 9 days 3 hours 14 minutes and 47 seconds, at an average speed of 16.14 knots.

Franck Cammas’ achievement is a sizeable one on a trimaran spanning 31.5 metres in length and 22.5 metres wide. (In fact she is the biggest boat that has ever competed in the Route du Rhum la Banque Postale.)

After a triumphant departure from Saint Malo, Groupama 3 led the Ultimate fleet virtually from beginning to end, only conceding leadership during the first 24 hours. Since 31 October 12:02 GMT, Franck Cammas hasn’t once eased off the pace. After a series of tack changes, gybes and brainstorming sessions with his routers Jean Luc Nélias and Charles Caudrelier, the 38-year-old took victory on the highest step of this much coveted podium thanks to his southerly route.

Jean Azéma, Genereal Manager of Groupama summed up the company’s reaction: “I am very happy for Franck as it’s a fabulous victory, which tops an impressive list of achievements with one of the finest solo races there is, the Route du Rhum. All the group’s representatives and colleagues, who have followed and supported Franck for the past 13 years, are proud of this victory.

“Groupama and Franck will now continue the adventure on another type of boat, right around the globe, marking our commitment to sailing and the loyalty of this partnership.”