Is renewing the partnership with the General Council important to you?
Jean-Pierre Dick: Of course, (…) but for me, it’s more about the symbolic aspect that’s important, being able to give back a bit of what I received when I was a child at various sailing clubs like in Antibes or Nice. Today, I am a “leader” in sailing and that greatly satisfies me because it’s important to give these kids a bit of a dream. That’s what sports is also about, children identify with people who perform at high levels, and it’s important to communicate with them in that sense. The sea has given me a lot, it’s a part of the dream, it’s a part of my life to give these children the chance to pursue this beautiful profession.
Does this partnership also allow you to embark on new projects like building a new boat?
Jean-Pierre Dick: Yes, we’re in a sport that evolves very quickly, in which you have to be reactive. The idea is to keep being at the top, to “surf” on the technological wave. With my project manager, we immediately saw the opportunity to sell our boat that participated in the Vendée Globe. We noticed that the race speeds were very high and that it was necessary to have a very fast boat. I have 4 years ahead of me to “refine” it.
Technology is one thing, but you also have to work on yourself. That’s the most important thing in a race like the Vendée. You need to be physically and mentally performing. I also have 4 years to be at the top for this legendary race [the Vendée Globe]. There will be other races, which of course have to be won, but the ultimate goal is still the Vendée.
The boat will still be built in New Zealand but this time designed by French architects. Is this to be more closely associated with the construction of the boat?
Jean-Pierre Dick: Yes, it’s to be closer to the needs, New Zealand is mainly for an economic aspect. Unfortunately, today it is cheaper to build in New Zealand. It’s also important for us because we need to try to stay within the budget [estimated at 1.5 million euros per year. A new boat costs between 2 and 3 million euros]. The choice of the French architect comes more from a very specific need: to create a tool tailored for winning, as I think I am extremely meticulous about the details.
In the end, you earlier mentioned greed, is it reasonable?
Jean-Pierre Dick: Yes, there are many benefits brought by this project. Making people dream is already quite significant. But it’s a mechanical sport, every mechanical sport needs a mechanical support so obviously, it costs a bit of money.
Withdrawing from a race is always a failure, but there’s still the positive aspect of having influenced the race?
Jean-Pierre Dick: Absolutely, I was on the attack and it bore fruit, I made some good choices but ended up back home. It’s obviously mentally disappointing, it’s tough because you’re talked about less and I would have liked to compete with Michel Desjoyeaux. I felt I was capable of doing it.
For your return, you needed to find respite in the desert. Was it helpful?
Jean-Pierre Dick: Ah, the desert allows for meditation, they are dryer spaces, it was useful to rest, to change the surroundings, to cope with sand instead of water.
