At the helm of the recent French campaign for the 2017 America’s Cup - Groupama Team France - Franck Cammas meets his friend Charles Caudrelier, who was also his teammate when he led Groupama 4 to victory in the 2011 Volvo Ocean Race. 12.
Charles Caudrelier is pleased to welcome on board the former holder of the Jules Verne Trophy (in 2010 - crewed world record), but also the winner of the Route du Rhum 2010, the Solitaire du Figaro (1997) and triple winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre (2007-2003-2001).
“Franck joins us after Pascal’s injury which is not good news for us because Pascal has been a key part of the team since the beginning,” says Charles. “We had already discussed with Franck the fact that he would be ready to come and help us if we needed it. With Franck, we have sailed a lot together or on the same circuits during the last 20 years - we are like brothers - we have often had success together. Navigating with him is a pleasure and I trust him completely. ”
” It is not necessarily hard to replace their browser in full race, “added the skipper of Dongfeng. “Franck is the sailor with whom I have as much experience as I have with Pascal. For us, he was undoubtedly the first choice and he is very motivated. ”
Franck Cammas has jumped on a plane to go to Melbourne where he will arrive Friday afternoon, local time. Meanwhile, the Dongfengse crew is preparing for the start of the fourth 5,000-mile (11,000 km) stage from Melbourne to Hong Kong next Tuesday.
“I really wanted to do a stage in the Volvo Ocean Race and it’s obviously with Dongfeng that I feel most at home, culturally and humanly,” he said. “Pascal and Charles share a lot and, as in the previous edition of the Volvo Ocean Race, they always draw great roads and make good choices. This puts me necessarily a little pressure! ”
“Being a crewman and not skipper is not the most natural for me but the team’s performance comes first and we are in line with Charles on that. On the Volvo Ocean Race that we won in 2011-12, he was a model teammate, always positive, constructive and loyal, and I will do everything to make it as good as possible. Charles is a friend, we have our story together which allows us to communicate well with each other, “he adds.
Bruno Dubois, the team manager of Dongfeng Race Team, emphasized that Franck Cammas has always been part of the options. “Charles and I have been working with Franck for a long time and it was envisaged that he would be a replacement if we needed him,” he says.
“Franck is doing well with the team,” he adds. “He has already done the race and will be able to support Charles so that he can fully devote himself to his role as skipper. He’s a great sailor and an excellent helmsman, and he knows what to do. ”
Neil Maclean-Martin, head of human performance ‘within the team, said the injury to Pascal Bidégorry the necessary to stay ashore. “Pascal suffered a joint injury between one of his ribs and the sternum. It happened when a wave hit the cockpit and fell against the steel structure that supports the bar, “he explains.
“As with all rib injuries, it is very painful and restrictive. There is little to do, it is a natural healing process that requires time and rest. ”
Pascal Bidégorry was injured eight days before the arrival in Melbourne. He was actually physically aboard and knows he can not go off again until he is cured. “Franck is a good choice for Charles,” he said. “They have known each other for a long time and they already have rich experience on this race. After a grueling third stage for everyone, I have no doubt that Franck’s energy will be a real benefit for the crew. ”
Third Step 1 between Alicante and Lisbon second step 2 between Lisbon and Cape Town and the second step 3 between Cape Town and Melbourne, Dongfeng Race Team currently ranked second overall in the Volvo Ocean Race. The team is six points behind MAPFRE, skippered by Spain’s Xabi Fernandez.
Dongfeng crew for Stage 4, Melbourne-Hong Kong:
Charles Caudrelier (FRA) - skipper
Franck Cammas (FRA) - browser
Daryl Wislang (NZL) - shift leader
Jérémie Beyou (FRA) - shift leader
Carolijn Brouwer (NL) - adjuster
Justine Mettraux (SUI) - adjuster
Kevin Escoffier (FRA) - team-mate
Chen Jinhao ‘Horace’ (CHN) - front teammate
Jack Bouttell (AUS / GBR) - team-mate
Volvo Ocean Race - Provisional general classification after three stages
1. MAPFRE (ESP), Xabi Fernandez, 29 points
2. Dongfeng Race Team (CHN), Charles Caudrelier, 23 points
3. Vestas 11th Hour Racing (USA-DAN), Charlie Enright, 23 points
4. Team Brunel (NED), Bouwe Bekking, 14 points
5. Sun Hung Kai / Scallywag (HK), David Witt, 11 points
6. AkzoNobel team (NED), Simeon Tienpont, 9 points
7. Turn the Tide on Plastic (UN), Dee Caffari, 6 points
All info here
