France III 12 F 3

France's First Aluminum 12 Metre and Final Bich Challenger

France III (F-3) was launched in 1979 as the third 12-Metre yacht commissioned by the Association Française pour la Coupe de l’America (AFCA) under Baron Marcel Bich. Designed by André Mauric to the International Third Rule, she was France’s most technically advanced challenger to date—and the country's first 12-Metre built in aluminum alloy.

A New Generation of French Design

France III drew inspiration from contemporary Australian designs. Naval architect Van de Stadt’s assistant, Peter Valentijn, contributed design elements based on his experience with Ben Lexcen’s work, including a double trim tab system. However, this feature was later modified in Newport due to its complexity in live racing conditions.

Constructed with a sleek aluminum hull, France III aimed to combine cutting-edge technology with refined racing strategy. Her launch marked the beginning of France’s final campaign under the direction of Marcel Bich.

1980 America's Cup: The Last Bich Campaign

  • Owner: AFCA (Baron Marcel Bich)

  • Homeport: Hyères, France

  • Event: 1980 Challenger Trials

  • France III defeated Lionheart 4–3, earning Baron Bich his first and only race victory in an America’s Cup challenge.

  • She was subsequently eliminated by Australia (4–1) in the challenger semifinals.

  • The 1980 campaign marked Baron Bich’s final attempt at capturing the Cup after nearly a decade of effort.

Redesign and 1983 Campaign

  • Ownership: Passed to Yves Rousset-Rouard and the Défi Français pour la Coupe de l’America (DFCA)

  • Skipper: Bruno Troublé

  • Representing: Yacht Club de France

  • In 1981, naval architect Jacques Fauroux made significant modifications to France III in preparation for the 1983 America's Cup.

  • Despite these updates, she placed second to last in the 1983 Louis Vuitton Cup, which featured several newer and more radical designs—including Australia II with her winged keel.

Later Life and Legacy

Since 1986, France III has belonged to the École Navale de la Marine Française (French Naval Academy), based in Brest, France. She has been used primarily for training and as a living example of France’s contributions to international yacht racing.

Summary

  • Name: France III (F-3)

  • Designer: André Mauric; modified by Jacques Fauroux

  • Launched: 1979

  • Material: Aluminum alloy

  • Notable Campaigns:

    • 1980 Challenger Trials (defeated Lionheart, eliminated by Australia)

    • 1983 Louis Vuitton Cup (raced under DFCA, skipper Bruno Troublé)

  • Current Status: Preserved by the French Naval Academy in Brest

France III represents both the technological ambition and sporting determination of France's final 12-Metre America's Cup campaigns. As the last Cup boat backed by Baron Bich and the first to fully embrace aluminum construction, she holds a special place in the legacy of international 12-Metre competition.

Let me know if you’d like this formatted for a museum placard, regatta program, or added to a timeline of France I–III.