FRANCE III Lower Runner, Dufour and Valentijn
Designer
Johan Valentijn
(Dutch, born 1948)
Date8 November 1978
Object numberANMS1543[143]
NamePlan
MediumPaper
Dimensions410 x 575
ClassificationsMaps, charts and plans
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThe Lower Runner on the 12mR ‘FRANCE III’ America’s Cup challenge yacht, designed by Johan Valentijn and built by Michel Dufour in 1978 for the 1980 cup series.HistoryThe renown Dutch naval architect Johan Valentijn, was born into a ship and boat building family in Holland during 1948. He grew up in the family shipyard, later studying marine engineering and naval architecture before joining the prestigious yacht design company, ‘Sparkman and Stephens’ in New York during 1971. He was involved in the design of several 12mR America cup yachts, for several countries, and was in partnership with several other well know yacht designers. He teamed up the Ben Lexcen (then Bob Miller) in 1975 working with him on a number of yacht designs, including the 1977 Australian challenge yacht ‘AUSTRALIA’. By 1978 he had ended his partnership with Ben Lexcen and joined Michel Dufour in France for the design of the French America challenge yacht ‘FRANCE III’. While there can be no doubt Johan Valentijn designed ‘FRANCE III’ it is possible French yacht designer Jaques Fauroux, was also involved. ‘FRANCE III’, sail number F-3, was built in 1979 by Chantiers Dufour and raced in the America Cup trials in 1980.
Championed and financed by Marcel Louis Michel Antoine Bich, better known as Baron Bich, co-founder of Bic ballpoint pens, the French quest for the America Cup started in 1970. He also funded the 1974, 1977, and the 1980 challenge before retiring from the cup series.
The 1980 America’s Cup race took place at Newport, Rhode Island in September. The United States had two yachts, which challenged each other to be the defending yacht. ‘FREEDOM’, skippered by Dennis Conner beat the well-known, previous winner ‘COURAGEOUS’. The Australian challenge yacht ‘AUSTRALIA’, redesigned by Ben Lexcen, beat the British boat ‘LIONHEART’ the Swedish entrant ‘SVERIGE’ and the French yacht ‘FRANCE III’. Following the failed attempt to challenge the US for the America’s Cup in 1980, ‘FRANCE III’ was sold, along with all the equipment and accessories, to Yves Rousset- Rouard who made a commitment to continue the French challenge. The yacht took part in the 1983 challenge but again without success. Abandoned in a French boatyard for many years, ‘FRANCE III’ was bought by Yann Labbé in 2021 and currently undergoing a full restoration.SignificanceHand drawn by Dutch yacht designer Johan Valentijn on November 8th. 1978. The ‘Dufour & Valentijn’ drawing etiquette indicates their address in Paris, France at the time, while working on the design of the French America Challenge yacht ‘FRANCE III’. The yacht was built by Dufour Yachts in 1979 for the 1980 America’s Cup race. 
