ICAP Leopard Racing (Photo courtesy of ICAP Leopard)

The ICAP Leopard_3, the 100ft super-maxi racing yacht is preparing to launch her assault on the west-to-east monohull transatlantic sailing record in the coming weeks.

The ICAP Leopard 3 features a radical new design concept and is a luxurious, signature charter yacht, a passage record breaker and a race winning super maxi sailing yacht.

The ICAP Leopard 3’s structural design and detailing were created by Farr_Yacht_Design and her interior and exterior styling is by Ken_Freivokh Designs.  All other aspects have been managed by owner Mike Slade’s own very capable team, Ocean Marine.

The yacht is 30 m  (100ft) in length, with a 6.8 m beam, a 5.5 m  draft and a 4.5 metre fixed bowsprit. Her towering mast is 47 m high and her keel cants 40 degrees either side of centreline.

The yachts sleek hull is made of a powerful carbon fibre/nomex combination enabling exceptional speed. The interior volume allows for spacious accommodations which is a notable departure from the current fleet of extremely narrow boats. The wide hull of the ICAP Leopard 3 is especially suited for offshore high-speed sailing and racing and is enhanced by the presence of a chine that increases water flow off the hull and reduces structural weight.
LEOPARD 3 Racing.
The ICAP Leopard features a set of efficient underwater foils including a canting keel, twin asymmetric lifting canards forward and a single rudder on centerline aft. The stability of this canting the keel is equivalent to 200 crew members sitting on the rail, without the added weight. Two hydraulic cylinders typically operating at a load of 61 tonnes cant the keel.

The ICAP Leopards towering rig is  47 metres above the water and can carry up to 15,000 square feet of sail area.

Sailing yacht ICAP Leopard_3 has other unique High Performance Features such as twin dagger boards, (rather than a single forward canard) mounted on hydraulic rollers and a single rudder.  The canards, located on either side of the mast, perfectly balance the sail forces and are lifted and lowered using hydraulically powered pinch rollers. A single, aft rudder controls the steering.  The sailing yacht has the ability to take aboard up to six tonnes of water in the transom area enabling the bow to lift in fast downwind conditions.

Designed and styled by ‘Ken Freivokh Design’ in Fareham, UK, the Leopard’s interior is fitted out in an ultra light, airy and modern decor. The elegant and modern saloon is fitted with home comforts and comfortably seats 12.  The large dining table is to port and to starboard a custom-built carbon coffee table is surrounded by ample seating in rich cream leather.

Following a period of extensive racing, sailing yacht Leopard will ‘evolve’ into phase 2 when three luxurious double guest cabins forward will be fitted prior to the yacht being offered to the termed charter markets of the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Her interior is fully removable for racing.
LEOPARD 3 Saloon
The 100ft super maxi racing vessel ICAP Leopard_3 is currently berthed in New York  preparing to launch her attack upon the west-to-east monohull transatlantic sailing record in the coming weeks.

Launched in 2007 ICAP Leopard, has already broken 12 major offshore racing records, including the fastest elapsed time ever set in the prestigious Rolex Fastnet Race. The west-to-east monohull transatlantic sailing record will see her tackle the path between Ambrose Light, NY and the Lizard Point, which marks the entrance to the English Channel.

ICAP Leopards target for this attempt will primarily be the record for monohull yachts with power-assisted systems of seven days, 19 hours and 21 minutes that she set in June 2008. Since setting this benchmark the yacht has undergone a series of modifications and the crew are confident that in the right conditions, they will be able to better Mari Cha IV’s outright monohull transatlantic speed record of 6 days 17 hours and 52 minutes.

Negotiating complex weather systems will play an integral role in ICAP Leopard’s latest transatlantic record attempt and will be monitored by veteran navigator Hugh Agnew.

The Captain of the ICAP Leopard is  Chris Sherlock who commented: “We can’t wait to get stuck into another attempt on the Atlantic record. Last time a tight weather window forced us into accepting less than ideal conditions for our record run but we have slightly more leeway this time. Our weather window will open on the 11th May and then we will have roughly three weeks to plan our departure. This should allow us to set ourselves up for the best possible weather pattern.”

Mike Slade the owner of sailing yacht ICAP Leopard noted: “This is something that I have been looking forward to ever since we crossed the finish line last time around. It has been brilliant to hold the record for yachts with power-assisted winches but we know we can go faster. The yacht and crew have been tempered over a two year period of hard racing and we are now sailing faster and harder than ever before. We will have a decent period of time in which to pick our weather window and the crew are all preparing to go on standby for what promises to be a thrilling sprint across the pond!”

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Banque Populaire V On Standby (Photo by BPCE/Benoit Stichelbaut)

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Banque Populaire V During Record Crossing (Photo by Team Banque Populaire V)

 Pascal Bidégorry and his crew of 11 men aboard the maxi trimaran Banque Populaire V, smashed the Transatlantic Record crossing the North Atlantic,by half a day. They also broke the 24hr record with 908 miles.
Groupama 3 also broke their own record set in 2007.

THE ATLANTIC CROSSING RECORD

The first record time for sailing across the North Atlantic was established by the ATLANTIC schooner, a 56 m long three-masted vessel skippered by the famous American captain Charlie Barr in 1905, in more than 12 days. For 75 years this record was not beaten.

Eric Tabarly was to be the first person to smash it in 1980 aboard his trimaran PAUL RICARD, cutting the time to 10 days.

Marc Pajot (ELF AQUITAINE I), Patrick Morvan (JET SERVICES II), Loïc Caradec & Philippe Facques (ROYALE II), Philippe Poupon (FLEURY MICHON VIII), then Serge Madec (JET SERVICES V) each in turn reduceD the time, the latter having achieved the crossing in 6 days 13h 3mn and 32s in June 1990 at an average speed of 18.42 knots. This record was to remain in everyone’s mind, as it stood for more than 10 years.

We had to wait for the new generation of maxi-catamarans built for The Race for the record held by JET SERVICES V to be smashed. It was beaten on 10th October 2001 by the American Steve Fossett aboard his 38 m maxi-catamaran PLAYSTATION in 4 days, 17 hours, 28 mn and 6s, at an incredible average speed of 25.78 knots.

Bruno Peyron and his Orange II crew smashed Fossett’s record aboard the maxi catamaran Orange II, finishing the course from Ambrose Light near New York City to Lizard Point off the southwestern tip of Great Britain in just 4 days, 8 hours, 23 minutes and 54 seconds – more than 9 hours faster than Fossett. Halfway through the 3,100 nautical mile trip, Orange II hit a submerged iceberg and broke one of its two steering rudders.

The Orange II Dream Team improved on the record set by Steve Fossett’s PlayStation by 9 hours 4 minutes and 12 seconds, a record that was said to be unbeatable.

Next was 105 foot trimaran Groupama III , in 2007
With an almost unbelievable time of 4 days, 3 hours, 57 minutes and 54 seconds, beating Bruno Peyron’s time on Orange II by almost 5 hours.

Today in 2009 that record has been shattered again.
Prelimary times until ratified are,

Groupama 3, – 3 days 18 hrs, 12 min, 58 secs – average speed 31.92 kts

Banque Populaire V,- 3 days, 15 hrs,25 min,48 secs, average speed 32.94 kts, peak speed 47.15 kts,

24 Hour Record, 908 mile, average speed of 37.8 kts

 
1905 – Charlie Barr – Atlantic – USA – 12d 4h 1m – 10.02 kts
1980 – Eric Tabarly – Paul Ricard – FRA – 10d 5h 14m – 11.93 kts
1981 – Marc Pajot Elf – Aquitaine – FRA – 9d 10h 6m – 12.94 kts
1984 – Patrick Morvan – Jet Services II – FRA 8d 16h 33m – 14.03 kts
1986 – Loïc Caradec – Royale II – FRA – 7d 21h 5m – 15.47 kts
1987 – Philippe Poupon – Fleury Michon VIII – FRA – 7d 12h 50m – 16.18 kts
1988 – Serge Madec – Jet Services V – FRA -7d 6h 30m – 16.76 kts
1990 – Serge Madec – Jet Services V – FRA – 6d 13h 3m – 18.62 kts
2001 – Steve Fossett – PlayStation – USA – 4d 17h 28m 6s – 25.78 kts
2006 – Bruno Peyron – Orange II – FRA – 4d 8h 23m 54s – 28 kts
2007 – Franck Cammas – Groupama 3 – FRA – 4d 3h 57m 54s – 29.26 kts

Challenge and Adcenture's George Bekris On Board Banque Populaiire Prior To Record Breaking Crossing (Photo by Donna Erichsen)

Banque Populaire V Crew Before Breaking The North Atlantic Record (Photo by Team Banque Populaire)

Groupama 3 Finishing Atlantic Crossing (Photo by Alex Julian)

Challenge and Adventure's George Bekris onboard Groupama 3 (Photo by Donna Erichsen)

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Groupama 3 At Gateway Marina (Photo by George Bekris)

In Lorient, Groupama team’s base, the excitement is tangible. Whilst Franck Cammas is in direct contact with Sylvain Mondon at Météo France and Stan Honey, Groupama 3′s navigator, in order to narrow down the departure time from New York, the logistics team is completing the crew’s transfer to the United States. “Contrary to what you might think, the crew hasn’t been in New York since 7th July. Our standby organisation is such that they must be able to make the transfer to the start zone within 24 hours. Since 7th July, we’ve been keeping them informed each morning at 1000 hours of the latest weather forecasts provided by Sylvain Mondon. The minute we switched to code yellow (possible departure within 48 to 72 hours), they prepared their gear for sea. They are currently in the plane bound for New York” says Stéphane Guilbaud, team manager.

On their arrival at Gateway marina, the crew will climb aboard a trimaran which has been perfectly prepared by the shore crew as well as two of the crew, Loïc Le Mignon and Olivier Mainguy: “It’s great to get together again. We’re both excited and concentrated. The challenge awaiting us is a sizeable as well as a complicated one. It’s sizeable because driving a trimaran like Groupama 3 to perfection is a real challenge and it’s complicated because we’re going to have to adapt to wind and sea conditions, which will probably be a bit different to those which are forecast. According to our latest information, the window which is opening up right now is a very good one, with downwind conditions, though we may be forced to drop a bit further South than the shortest route” analyses Franck Cammas.

In his offices in Toulouse, Sylvain Mondon analyses the various weather charts that he seeks out from both the European and American servers. Following that he integrates Groupama 3′s performances into this information, taking into account his recent experience of sailing aboard. Ultimately, according to the routes selected, he obtains a time for the crossing: “After being the first sailing boat to cross the Atlantic in under 100 hours at an average speed of 29.2 knots just two years ago, Groupama 3 set a very high standard. To go even faster, we’re really going to need a great trajectory and stay as close as possible to the 2,925 miles which make up the direct route (5,265 km)”.

It’s worth remembering that in 2007, during her victorious record attempt, Groupama 3 also beat the 24 hour distance record by covering 794 miles at the incredible average speed of 33.08 knots: “We achieved this record time very shortly after leaving New York. The conditions were perfect with a well established wind on the beam and flat seas. If we hadn’t broken one of the two foils, we would have exceeded the legendary benchmark of 800 miles. This figure is incredible to read, but even more incredible to experience in the flesh at sea aboard Groupama 3. This is another reason why we’re here today. The speed, the adrenalin and the challenge that this crossing represents is magical” adds Franck Cammas

To accompany him in this quest for absolute speed, the skipper of Groupama 3 has equipped himself with an entourage of `old faithfuls’ as well as new crew. Among the familiar faces onboard are Stève Ravussin and Frédéric Le Peutrec, watch leaders, Ronan Le Goff and Bruno Jeanjean at the bow and Loïc Le Mignon, second helm. As for the newcomers, their track records speak for themselves: Lionel Lemonchois, reigning champion of the Route du Rhum, Bernard Stamm, reigning champion of the Velux Five Oceans, Stan Honey, winning navigator in the Volvo Ocean Race on ABN AMRO and finally Olivier Mainguy, a member of the Groupama team who will take up position at the bow alongside Ronan and Bruno. In the main, the crew is pretty much the same as the one that broke the first record of the 2009 season by crossing the Mediterranean in 17 hours and 8 minutes on 16th May.

In Gateway Marina in New York, Groupama 3 is pulling at her warps: “We are experienced at quickly finding the right trim and getting the very best out of Groupama 3; it’s the men that make the difference. As such my entourage comprises an exceptional crew, which I’m very proud of. All ten of us are ready to go” concludes Franck Cammas

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Banque Populaire V In New York (Photo By George Bekris)

As we pull up to the Gateway Marina in Brooklyn, New York, in the distance to our right is the New York City skyline.  To our left are 3 large masts towering over all the other boats in sight.  These three giants are The Maxi-Trimarans Banque Populaire V skippered by Pascal Bidégorry  (40m/131.2 ft) and Groupama 3 skippered by Franck Cammas  (105ft) and Sodebo solo-skippered by Thomas Coville (105ft).  All three are laying in wait for the weather window to set out to break the North Atlantic record.  This record is a 2,980 mile run from Ambrose Light (Off the coast of New York) to Lizard Point (South-West tip of England).  It is not often in the USA that we get to see such an impressive line up of Multi-hulls on one dock.  They looked like thoroughbreds patiently waiting to be called into action.

We were graciously given the complete tour of  Banque Populaire V, which is also the largest racing Trimaran in the world, by a member of the shore crew Philibert Chenais.  As I sat in the cockpit I got a much better understanding of the workings of the boat.  The sheer scale of the size of the boat becomes apparent from the cockpit.  It is a long way forward and aft.  The mast towers above at 47 meters/154.2ft.  At this height it is taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.  The boat is 23.5 meters/77 ft wide.  She has been lightened as much as possible and all systems have been checked and rechecked. The freeze dry food is stowed.  They have no motor now except the small 27 horse needed to power the electronics and navigation gear and to keep the hydraulic systems, of which there are many, running.  This is a beautiful, sleek, shiny, well maintained monster of boat.

Philibert Chenais On Banque Populaire V (Photo by George Bekris)

Banque Populaire V will carry 7 sails for this record attempt.  A Cuben Fiber Main that alone  and takes 8 men approximately 9 minutes to raise using the various winches and grinders positioned around the cockpit.  This Main will be used on the boat for this record and also in the subsequent Jules Verne Trophy attempt next winter.  Three downwind sails. A masthead and a fractional sail and a staysail.  All necessary but as few as possible to keep the weight onboard down.

The 47 meters of mast is a hydraulic canting mast designed to be set to any degree necessary to keep the boat’s sail angle verticle as the boat heels.  This is so that the limited apparent wind range on the maxi will not affect the sail trim.  It sails so fast that the apparent wind range is reduced.  The mast cants using large rams in a carbon fiber mounting down deep inside the hull. It has an 80 degree range side to side. The forward stay is attached to another hydraulic system which is used to tighten the luff so the foward sail can be kept flat.  The flatter the better with this sail plan.

Images by George Bekris

(click on image to enlarge)

The Harken winches are designed to gear down to help the crew manage the large loads on the sheets.  The grinding pedestals and winches have 4 speeds. At the pull of a cord they can gear down quickly.  This boat gears down to trim the jib unlike Volvo 70s, which gear up.  It can take up to 8 men on the winches to trim in heavy air.

For the record attempt she will have the skipper Pascal Bidégorry and a crew of 11.  The fact that this is a short run, 3-4 days for the record, sleep onboard will be more optional.  The record now stands at  4 days 3 hours 57 minutes and 53 seconds . Philibert explained that for a record run of this type more crew up top on deck at any given time helps because they can quickly respond to any sail changes needed for optimum speed.  Just shaving seconds off shaking out a reef or trimming the sail could mean the difference between breaking the record and not breaking it.  These days the records are that tight. Every fraction of a knot means alot.  During the Jules Verne Trophy run next winter they will run a more regular sleep schedule with a 5 on 5 off at any given time plus the skipper.

New York City Skyline (Photo by George Bekris)

Icebergs and whales have been a concern for the skippers on this North Atlantic run.  While Banque Populaire V was crossing the Atlantic on her delivery run to New York they did hit a whale.  Luckily the the daggerboard was sacrificial and designed to break off before the boat itself can be damaged.  The boat can loose one and be fine as it is designed with three.  The late summer attempt should minimize the risk of late season icebergs so that should not be a problem now.

Banque Populaire V will be taken out of the water this fall in France and refitted.  After the refit she will be setting out to break the Jules Verne Record in the winter of 2010.

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Groupama 3 On The Way To New York (Photo by Loic Dorez / Team Groupama)

Groupama 3 is on Stand-by in her attempt at the North Atlantic record.  Holder of this record since 23rd July 2007 with a time of 4 days, 3 hours and 57 minutes, the maxi trimaran skippered by Franck Cammas has been given until 18th August to find the weather conditions. The aim is obviously an improvement on their own reference time and hopefully one that sees them complete the course in under four days. 

Groupama 3 At Gateway Marina Awaiting Weather Window (Photo by George Bekris)

In Gateway Marina, at the entrance to the port of New York, Groupama Team’s shore crew has finished preparing the maxi trimaran. With the engine removed, the racing sails in position and the hull inspected and cleaned, everything is now ready for Groupama 3 to set off to conquer the ocean:
“Since the boat’s arrival last Thursday, we haven’t lost any time. With the help of the hoist, we got the engine out and then dismantled the propeller shaft by diving beneath the central pod. Aboard, all the superfluous gear has been removed so that only the bare essentials remain” says Yann Mérour, in charge of logistics. To give him a hand, Marine, Sam, Gaël, François, Loïc and Pierre are on site, as are three of the sailing crew, Loïc Le Mignon, Olivier Mainguy and Ronan Le Goff. 

Groupama 3 Setting Out For New York (Photo by Loic Dorez / Team Groupama)

Analysis and patience!
During this time, onshore, Sylvain Mondon from Météo France, Stan Honey, navigator, and Franck Cammas, have been analysing the grib files. Each morning, Sylvain sends the team a summary of his observations, which is subsequently discussed. As skipper, it’s up to Franck Cammas to decide on the colour of the code that will organise the life of the team and the crew. For today it’s code RED. This means that there is no weather window opening and hence no departure within the next 120 hours, or 5 days.

Groupama 3 Crew Doing Maintenance At Gateway Marina (Photo by George Bekris)

If it looks like there will be a possible weather window, the team will switch to a code ORANGE with the chance of a departure within the next 72 hours. At that point in the procedure, a possible departure of the crew for New York starts taking shape. In the event that favourable weather conditions are confirmed, the team then switch to code YELLOW, with a departure possible within the next 48 hours. The crew is then ready to board the plane. In the next 24 hours, the crew switch to code GREEN with the departure time selected by Franck Cammas in consultation with Sylvain Mondon and Stan Honey or, if the window deteriorates, a return to code Red. In this instance, the crew get back on the plane to Europe. “Since 2007 and the five records we’ve broken, the team has become familiar with the complexities of this exercise. We are answerable to the boat and nothing else. You just have to be patient and also very rigorous with the weather analysis as, ultimately, it’s the weather that decides. In 2007, we beat Orange’s record by over four hours and, in so doing, beat the 24 hour distance record with 794 nautical miles at an average of 33.08 knots. We can naturally do better than that. However, even though we know Groupama 3 better than we did two years ago, it’s the weather which will make the difference” analyses Franck Cammas.  

Groupama 3 Crew For 2009 Transatlantic Crossing Record Attempt (Photo by Yvan Zedda / Team Groupama)

One minute will do
To beat the record, one minute will do (World Sailing Speed Record Council rule). To succeed, the skipper of Groupama 3 has brought together a first class crew. Indeed, half of them were aboard during the 2007 record (Stève Ravussin, Fred Le Peutrec, Loïc Le Mignon, Ronan Le Goff, Bruno Jeanjean) but there are also some top rate newcomers too: Lionel Lemonchois, Bernard Stamm, Olivier Mainguy and Stan Honey.
Accustomed to high speed sailing, they have all sailed aboard Groupama 3 this season, notably during the Route of the Subsidiaries and then the delivery between Lisbon and New York. Enthusiastic about how Groupama 3 handled, they know that this crossing will be a real sprint, that the battle against the clock can be as exciting as it is frustrating, and that there is no room for approximation in the manoeuvres.

Their mission will comprise total commitment and that’s what they love. And this is especially true given that there is another trimaran waiting patiently in New York. Bigger, heavier, Banque Populaire skippered by Pascal Bidégorry doesn’t yet have a single record under her belt. If they choose the same weather window, it’ll be very interesting to compare their performances. If this is not the case, it will be the clock which will decide on the verdict. Given the difference in size of the two trimarans, this latter option seems likely. Lighter and nearly 30% shorter, Groupama 3 could set off in medium winds, whilst her direct rival will be seeking to reap the benefits of a steadier breeze.
Wait and see… 

Groupama 3 Waiting For Weather Window (Photo by George Bekris)

 The ten crew on Groupama 3:
• Franck Cammas, skipper
• Stève Ravussin, watch leader
• Frédéric Le Peutrec, watch leader
• Loïc Le Mignon, helm
• Lionel Lemonchois, helm
• Bernard Stamm, helm
• Ronan Le Goff, bowman
• Olivier Mainguy, bowman
• Bruno Jeanjean, bowman
• Stan Honey, navigator

Groupama 3 Crossing The Atlantic Headed For New York (Photo by Loic Dorez / Team Groupama)

Groupama 3′s five records:
• The Discovery Route on 1st May 2007 at an average of 21.7 knots
• Miami New York on 4th June 2007 at an average of 27 knots
• The North Atlantic on 23rd July 2007 at an average of 29.26 knots
• The 24 hour on 20th July 2007 at an average of 33.08 knots
• The Mediterranean Crossing on 16th May 2009 at an average of 26.72 knots

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Banque Populaire V (Photo by BENOIT STICHELBAUT/BFBP)

The Maxi Trimaran Banque Populaire V in New York!

 

 

 

 

The French boat MAXI TRIMARAN BANQUE POPULAIRE V, the largest ocean racing trimaran in the world, arrived the 27^th of June in New-York! Then it will be on stand-by to establish the North Atlantic record (from New York to the Lizard, England).

The boat will be moored on the gateway marina in Brooklyn and it will be sailing a while in the bay of Manhattan before the departure for the record.

Crew List for the record attempt

Ronan Lucas – number one

Kévin Escoffier – coxswain/ruler

Yvan Ravussin – shift leader

Ewen Clech – number one

Sebastien Audigane – shift leader

Florent Chastel – number one

Marcel Van Triest – navigator embarked Yann Eliès – coxswain/ruler

Pierre-Yves Moreau – ruler/number one

Course: It is the headlight of Ambrose at the exit of bay of New York which will be used as starting point of the attempt. In Europe, it is extremely logically the headland of the Cape Lizard in the south-west of English Cornwall which will point the arrival.

History of the record as a crew: 1905: Charlie Barr on Atlantic – Goélette – 12j 4:1 min 19s 1980: Eric Tabarly on Paul Ricard – Trimaran – 10j 5:14 min 20s 1981: Marc Pajot on Elf Aquitaine 1 – Catamaran – 9j 10:6 min 34s 1984: Patrick Morvan on Jet Services 2 – Catamaran – 8j 16:36 min 1985: Loïc Caradec on Royal 2 – Catamaran – 7j 21:5 min 42s 1987: Philippe Baby in-arms on Fleury Michon VIII – Trimaran – 7j 12:49 min 34s 1988: Serge Madec on Jet Services 5 – Catamaran – 7j 6:32 min 1990: Serge Madec on Jet Services 5 – Catamaran – 6j 13:3 min 32s 2001: Steve Fossett on PlayStation – Catamaran – 4j 17:28 min 6s 2006: Bruno Peyron on Orange II – Catamaran – 4j 8:23 min 54s 2007: Franck Cammas on Groupama 3 – Trimaran – 4j 3:57 min 54s Time to beat: 4 days 3 hours 57 minutes and 57 seconds

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