America's Cup: All of France reaches for the jug

No French team has ever won the America's Cup. If Franck Cammas, Michel Desjoyeaux and Olivier de Kersauson have their way, this is about to change. The strong French trio officially presented their team for participation in the 35th America's Cup in Paris today. And they brought along prominent reinforcements to show how seriously the French are taking this challenge. Alongside the sailors and initiators, not only Groupama's CEO Thierry Martel, but also the French Minister of Defence Jean-Yves Le Drian and the Minister of the City, Youth and Sport Patrick Kanner promoted the Cup hunt. The team's appearance at the Hotel de la Marine made it clear that the French have declared the quest for the most important trophy in international sailing a national affair.

The French have repeatedly won major sailing events. Most recently the eleventh edition of the Volvo Ocean Race. Franck Cammas was also responsible for this as skipper in the 2011/2012 race. The partner back then was also Groupama. However, despite many attempts and a great deal of influence on the development of the world's most famous regatta, the French have not yet been able to win one summit: the America's Cup. A team press release stated: "Team Groupama wants to put things right in this respect and lead the French in the battle for the oldest trophy in the world."

Three exceptional sailors, Cammas, Desjoyeaux and de Kersauson, have joined forces to form Groupama Team France. Cammas has already won the Route du Rhum, the Jules Verne Trophy and the Volvo Ocean Race. He said: "Today is a great day for our team. Michel, Olivier and I have been working for the last two years to bring this project to a successful conclusion. Goupama Team France is already working flat out to launch its assault on the Cup and the competition with some of the best sailors in the world. In sailing, the Cup is the pinnacle."

Together, Cammas, Desjoyeaux and de Kersauson have already won every prestigious regatta apart from the America's Cup and are now combining their experience, talent and name recognition in a Cup campaign. Sports Minister Kanner said: "Groupama Team France is in the hunt for the Cup in one of the most prestigious sailing competitions to bring France the oldest of all sporting trophies. At the same time, the campaign also represents the development of a technological network, a showcase for France's expertise and excellence in sailing. The State will of course work alongside this project to involve everyone and support the development of various sporting and economic channels."