Jean-Pierre Dick, partnered with Yann Elies, wins his fourth Transat Jacques Vabre in Salvador de Bahia. The skipper from Nice leaves the monohull adventure in grand style aboard his IMOCA StMichel-Virbac.
And it’s four! After 2003, 2005, and 2011, Jean-Pierre Dick clinches another Transat Jacques Vabre. The skipper from Nice, alongside Yann Elies, accomplished the perfect crossing. Shortly after Le Havre, the monohull St Michel-Virbac took the lead and maintained it all the way to Brazil and Salvador de Bahia, the finish location for this 2017 edition. This marks his fourth trophy earned with four different partners. Jean-Pierre Dick makes history in sailing with four titles in this legendary transat.
Dick retires with great joy
A month after announcing his retirement from monohull competition, Jean-Pierre Dick completes his dream final race partnered with his replacement on Saint Michel as Virbac ceases its sailing sponsorship. At 52, the man from Nice will manage this new entity with a specific goal in mind: the Vendรฉe Globe 2020, a race that has never favored him (four attempts, no podium finishes). For his upcoming potential goals (America’s Cup, Volvo Ocean Race), there will be a bit of a wait.
Congratulations from all sides
On social media, messages poured in for the Dick-Elies duo. Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice, tweeted: “Congratulations to Jean-Pierre and Yann for their magnificent victory in IMOCA. Our fellow Niรงois Jean-Pierre Dick is the only sailor to achieve four victories in this transat. A historic record! Issa Nissa.”
Once they set foot on the docks of Salvador de Bahia, Dick and Elies adhered to tradition: having a glass of Caipirinha, the famous Brazilian cocktail. Cheers to Jean-Pierre and Yann!
Facing journalists, they did not hide their happiness arriving as winners in Bahia: “I’m proud of the work accomplished. We charted a beautiful course,” Yann Elies explained. “Our strength is the machine and the confidence we had in it,” said the man from Nice. “We were able to push it far! I want to thank the entire team who did a great job. It was the perfect race, the race I imagined. It’s fabulous! Four titles? It’s a great pride!”
