Fire destroys innovative initiative

In the early hours of Saturday morning (June 9), Groupama Team France reports how a a fire broke out in its former base in in Lorient, Brittany. The base had been utilised during the team’s challenge for the 35th America’s Cup.

There were no injuries and the material damage didn’t affect Team France’s equipment as this is now stored at their sports activity premises rather than in this base. Additionally, the AC Class boat used in the 35th edition of the Cup was not stored in the base. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

The sports programme led by Franck Cammas in 2018 (GC32 Racing Tour with Norauto powered by Team France and the Youth Team France programme supported by Suzuki) will continue as normal.

“This has no impact whatsoever on our motivation and our campaign for the next edition of the Cup,” says an adamant Franck Cammas, skipper of Team France. “However, it’s a real shame to witness the destruction of an innovative building built some 20 years ago by the town of Lorient with the aim of accommodating a series of key sailing projects on the international stage.

“This fantastic initiative by the town has provided sailors with some high-performance technical means, on a par with the far-reaching ambitions of professional sailing teams. I hope that a new building for challenges will quickly see the light of day so that this great idea continues to bear fruit.”

Bolstered by the unfailing support of partners and supporters, Team France will continue to work hard so that France is present at the 36th America’s Cup.

Source: Caroline Caron, Team France