Maiden voyage for Virbac-Paprec

And a glimpse of her new sliding coachroof

Yesterday in a light New Zealand breeze, Jean-Pierre Dick took his first out on board Paprec-Virbac, his new Open 60. It was an emotional moment for the skipper and all his team. Since his arrival back from the Vendée Earth in 2005, Dick has worked on this new project - now finally all the hard work has paid off.

So Paprec-Virbac is born. Dick has felt the power of his new weapon and the first page of this new chapter is complete.

“It's been two years now that I have worked on this project and now the dream is complete. To hoist the sails, to steer Paprec-Virbac for the first time and to feel it to move - it was fantastic and very moving. It felt very good on board. To get to this stage is the result of formidable work with my team, the design team and the Farr office because we spent long hours discussing and working on the development of this boat. I also was very moved to see all the boatbuilders on the quayside wanting to get a photograph of themselves on board the new boat. Our team have shared a great moment of joy and we celebrated that yesterday evening!”

On his first sail Dick added: “I am just discovered her, it is very interesting! We have much to learn. For this first trial was in very light air, but Paprec-Virbac showed us that she is powerful. She t takes off quickly and has strong potential. She feels very safe and looks splendid. I feel that the boat was well built. The finish is perfect. The mast has a beautiful profile and is showing good rigidity. We are very proud to have carried out this beautiful work and also to have developed these innovations: the trim tabs and the sliding deck house. It is a new history which starts and we await the first races impatiently!”

During our interview with Jean-Pierre last week he was unwilling to say too much about the new sliding deck hatch. However it appears that the cabin top in its entirety telescopes out back to the aft runner winches.

More photos on page 2...