Only "pama" could be read on the mainsail because it was set on a very shortened emergency mast. Even if the proportions weren't right and everything looked less than majestic, the French didn't let their disappointment at possibly losing out on the stage win show when they finished third in Itajai at 3pm CET yesterday. "The guys did a fantastic job, I'm very happy with the podium," said skipper Cammas. "The mood is good and we are still at the front."
Brad Marsh was also there - the man who had inflicted a deep cut on his wrist with a boat knife while retrieving the broken mast in a hurry, which was treated with five staples. Groupama is currently in second place in the overall standings behind Telefonica.
The repaired Camper is still en route, approaching Cape Horn from the west and still has around 1800 miles to go to its destination. Abu Dhabi is now also travelling by deck cargo towards Itajai, where the ship is due to arrive next week. Two hull sections, each measuring four metres by one metre, will have to be flown in from the Persico factory in Italy, where the boat was built.
The 6th stage kicks off on Saturday 21 April with the In-Port Race in Itajai.
