After the "kiwi connection", the multihull duel could give French sailors good opportunities to express their competence.

While Alinghi has not yet revealed his plans for the coming months, it's now clear that BMW Oracle Racing has decided to learn some skills from Franck Cammas's Groupama multihull crew.

During the past two weeks, the French sailor was in Valencia where he as been hired as a consultant by BMW Oracle. He is now ready to host Russell Coutts and his crew in Lorient (Brittany, France).

"They asked me to sail with them", Cammas said. "Russell [Coutts] appreciated a lot the 60 feet, it was great. Things dramatically accelerate from there with their challenge and we are just waiting for the date and the place for the America's Cup match".

It's just a first contact at this stage. But the idea of a second French at the helm during the America's Cup (after Bertrand Pacé with Team NZ) is not entirely unrealistic.

"I think it's theoretically possible, but I am not the only one", Cammas commented. "BMW Oracle already has two helmsmen: James Spithill and Russell Coutts. And then, you know, these people are very good. They learn fast in all areas. So they will learn quickly to steer a multihull".

Meanwhile, the architects of Groupama, led by Vincent Lauriot-Prevost, actively participate in USA in the new boat design process.

"It's a great platform in which we make lots of things," said Franck Cammas. "It's very exciting to start with a blank sheet of paper to create an inshore boat without any compromise in terms of reliability and comfort inside. You can really built a very light and Hyper Efficient boat for the light consitions".

For the short-terms goals, the Russell Coutts' armada is going to move in Lorient to discover the Cammmas' Groupama 2 Trimaran.

"They were up to me to discover the 60-feet multihull", Cammas said. "So, I will introduce them to this type of boat during two weeks, from March 31 to April 14. They must be aware of potential problems that may be encountered on board.They need to feel and to learn more about these boats."

Sessions are already planned with Pascal Bidégorry's trimaran Banque Populaire. Just aside Alinghi, which will sail in the same waters with Foncia, the Alain Gautier's boat.