Virbac-Paprec 70 and its skipper Jean-Pierre Dick have completed their Route des Princes. The Niçois was accompanied by 7 sailors for the occasion, including Roland Jourdain, with whom he will cooperate for the next Transat Jacques-Vabre in November. An interview with the two sailors.
Can you tell us about your journey on the Route des Princes?
Jean-Pierre Dick: “I am satisfied because we managed to sail alongside the top competitors in the series. It’s a good thing for a first in multihull! I’m a bit disappointed to finish behind our competitors, but Rome wasn’t built in a day. In the transitions, we always lack a bit of fluidity, it’s really in the details. We will quickly bounce back and learn from it. It was a very beautiful event, a successful mix between land and sea. We had good times and received a warm welcome in all the European cities where we sailed, it was really nice.”
Roland Jourdain: “Even though we finished last in the Imoca 70 class, it went well overall. We were in the race. We missed the first spark. For Jean-Pierre, it’s certainly difficult as he had to get into this project and he masterfully managed to get into the team game.”
Was Virbac-Paprec 70 well surrounded for this Route des Princes? How was the atmosphere on the boat?
J-P. Dick: “For this new challenge, I chose a convivial crew with diverse skills. They come from the Vendée Globe, the America’s Cup, the Jules Verne Trophy, sailing on monohulls and trimarans. It’s a friendly and very competent crew! (Roland Jourdain, Vincent Riou, Thierry Duprey du Vorsent, Thierry Douillard, Fred Guilmin, Fred Le Maistre, and Guillaume Le Brec) We enjoy sailing together and sharing our various maritime experiences. All of them have many miles under their belt and a lot of experience in offshore racing. The goal was to work together seriously and in a good mood to quickly become efficient.
The atmosphere was really very good aboard Virbac-Paprec 70. The crew always had smiles on their faces, which is pleasant even in difficult moments. We have a united crew that gets along well. Everyone kept a good course.”
R. Jourdain: “It was a pleasure to sail with Jean-Pierre. Even though I’m used to the ‘Solitaire,’ I did my best to give my maximum and that of the boat. It’s highly stimulating because it goes very fast. We must be careful with individualism so as not to jeopardize teamwork.”
Vendée Globe, Route des Princes, Transat Jacques-Vabre, a busy year 2013 for you Jean-Pierre? Gentlemen, what are your thoughts on your cooperation for the next Jacques-Vabre?
J-P. Dick: “Bilou is a winner! He has demonstrated it several times during major events like the Route du Rhum or the Transat Jacques-Vabre. He has a lot of experience in multihulls, particularly in the MOD70, having sailed on the circuit for a year. He is also a person I appreciate; he is friendly. With Bilou, we have crossed swords for several years, especially during very tight finishes in Brazil. In 2003 and 2005, we arrived each time by a close margin, it was a great fight, and I have fond memories of it!
The year 2013 is well-filled between the Vendée Globe arrival, the launch of the MOD 70, the Route des Princes, we must find time to rest to tackle the Transat Jacques-Vabre in top form.”
R. Jourdain: “As Jean-Pierre said, we have already worked together before. And helping him in his preparation reinforces this idea of a great understanding between us. We have competitive natures, while also having a genuine friendship. My integration happened naturally, and we will be complementary to do our best on the Jacques-Vabre.”
What will be your goal for the Jacques-Vabre?
J-P. Dick: “Crossing the Atlantic to arrive in Brazil in a multihull is never trivial. It’s a challenge in itself for Bilou and me because the MOD70 is a powerful multihull more often manned by 6 crew members than by 2! Getting a good result would be the icing on the cake.”
R. Jourdain: “It’s a beautiful event with a superb course. I’ve already participated in the Transat (95, 97, 99, 01, 03, 05, 10), including a second place with Ellen MacArthur on Sill and Veolia 8 years ago. It’s extremely tiring but also exciting. These may not necessarily be boats suited to this type of competition, so we will have to get along well with the primary goal of reaching the finish line.”
