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Groupama's Epic Victory - In Closest Ever Volvo Ocean Race

Groupama's Epic Victory - In Closest Ever Volvo Ocean Race

Date: 2012-07-04
Groupama crossed the finish line in the pitch black Galway night to secure a remarkable overall victory in their debut Volvo Ocean Race campaign and finally settle the closest contest in the event's 39-year history.

While CAMPER were celebrating victory in the ninth and final leg, Groupama skipper Franck Cammas led his team home in second place to take an unassailable 24-point lead with just one in-port race to go.

Cammas, the 39-year-old Frenchman, threw his arms up and pumped his fists in the air while tens of thousands of fans gathered on the dock of Galway Bay to roar home the team - including Irishman Damian Foxall - to a remarkable victory in their first appearance in the race.

For CAMPER, notching up their first leg win of the race was a longed-for achievement and it all but guarantees they will finish second overall.

PUMA, in third place on the night, will finish behind them in third overall unless CAMPER somehow fail to complete Saturday's In-Port Race and PUMA go on to win it.

But the night belonged to Groupama as they reaped the benefits of exhaustive preparation and more than eight months of the most extreme ocean racing.

Not since Lionel Péan skippered L'Esprit d'Equipe to victory in 1985-86 has a French team tasted glory in sailing's toughest challenge. "This is an incredible moment for me," Cammas said. "It was always my dream just to participate in this race. The first book I ever read was about the Whitbread. It has been an incredible day for me and it hasn't sunk in yet.

Six points will be up for grabs for first place when the final in-port race of the epic 39,000 nautical mile Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 takes place on July 7.

The overall leader board stands as follows:
1. Groupama sailing team 250
2. CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand 226
3. PUMA Ocean Racing powered by BERG 220
4. Team Telef - nica 209
5. Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing 124
6. Team Sanya 40.

With only a few points left up for grabs Groupama mave cinched an epic victory.