The skipper of Virbac-Paprec 3, Jean-Pierre Dick, was celebrated Saturday morning at the Port of Nice. The President of the General Council, Éric Ciotti, and the Deputy Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, paid him a heartfelt tribute in front of nearly 500 people who came to welcome the champion from Nice.
“The people of Nice can be proud of your performance.” Indeed, Jean-Pierre Dick didn’t leave sailing enthusiasts indifferent. Over 2,600 nautical miles without a keel to reach the finish, an unprecedented feat in the Vendée Globe, according to Christian Estrosi. The Deputy Mayor of the city praises “the greatest sailor the city has ever known.” He recalls the roots of the fourth place finisher in one of the greatest solo non-stop races and his love for sailing: “When he walked into my office, I saw in the sparkle of his eyes that he was willing to give everything for his passion for the sea.”
Also a very good way to represent the department. And for that, Éric Ciotti is not short on praise for Jean-Pierre Dick either. “Human and sporting qualities.” A highlight for the Alpes-Maritimes. The department created the skipper’s Fan Club. He warmly thanks the sailor for taking a moment to join Éric Ciotti’s wishes on January 8th. The official revisits the record miles covered by the skipper in a day (502).
Then it was the hero of the day’s turn to speak. Jean-Pierre considers himself “proud to be a local, from Nice, and to be among all of you.” He acknowledges his achievement and that people could let their imagination run wild, just like all the competitors of the Vendée Globe. He thanks the enthusiasts who followed his journey with “their messages of sympathy, very important moments for me.” The students of the Soleil de Roquesteron school group had prepared a little song dedicated to the skipper for the occasion. A touching moment for the man from Nice. To conclude, the skipper signed autographs for hundreds of onlookers. A real crowd, and no longer a sea, bath for Jean-Pierre Dick.
