Groupama 3 is a French maxi-multihull sailing yacht designed for transoceanic record-setting. It is one of the fastest ocean-going sailing vessels in the world, and is the current holder of the Jules Verne Trophy. It is skippered by the French yachtsman Franck Cammas, with a crew of ten. It is sponsored by the French insurance company Groupama.
Groupama 3 was the transatlantic record holder between 2007 and 2009.
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During a first attempt for the Jules Verne Trophy (circumnavigation of the world) in 2008, Groupama 3 capsized off the coast of New-Zealand.
It was repaired in France and went for another attempt in 2009. Damage to the port hull led to the attempt being called off after 11 days, and the boat limped into Capetown for repairs. It then returned to France, and set off again on January 31, 2010.
On March 20, 2010, the French trimaran became the fastest boat to sail around the world and now holds the record of 48 days, 7 hours 44 minutes and 52 seconds improving on arch rival Bruno Peyron's performance by more than 2 days.[1]
In November 2010, Groupama 3 won the French single handed transatlantic race "La Route du Rhum" (between Brittany and Guadeloupe), with Frank Cammas at the helm in 9 days and 14 hours, averaging 16.14 knots.