Groupama 34 won Sunday’s offshore leg of the Tour de France a la Voile.
The boat, skippered by Franck Cammas, extended her lead at the top of the overall rankings.
After three weeks of intense competition, Groupama 34 remains the boat to beat in this year’s Tour de France a la Voile.
Sunday’s offshore leg was another difficult day, but Groupama made the most of the conditions to come out on top.
A lack of wind meant the boats were forced to motor out of Roses harbour in Spain and begin the race three hours later than planned at Cap Creus.
The 57 miles originally planned were trimmed to 41, but as the sea breezes finally kicked in, a close battle developed between Groupama and Daniel Souben’s Courrier Dunkerque.
Sail changes proved crucial – with Groupama gaining the advantage when a late spinnaker swapover for Courrier Dunkerque saw them lose valuable time.
Franck Cammas guided his boat into Gruissan in first place, with Courrier Dunkerque a close second.
Sodebo – with Thomas Coville at the helm – completed the top three.
Groupama’s victory moves them even further ahead of Bretagne-Credit Mutuel Elite in the overall standings, with Courrier Dunkerque now a very close third.
Three in-port races in Gruissan are scheduled for Monday – weather permitting.
The race concludes next Saturday in Marseille.
