Qualification complete

Jean-Pierre Dick updates us on his Paprec-Virbac Open 60 campaign

Jean-Pierre Dick and Damian Foxall on their new Open 60 Paprec-Virbac, have just finished their qualification run for the Barcelona World Race between Panama and Halifax. They arrived in the Canadian harbour during the night. All that the trio needs to do now is compete in the Rolex Fastnet Race in August to finally qualify for the two-handed round the world race that will leave Barcelona on 11 November 2007.

This is an important moment for the Paprec-Virbac Sailing Team, since after several months of concentrated construction, perfecting and training, the new monohull has made its first entry in competition. It is also an emotional moment for Jean-Pierre's co-skipper, Damian Foxall, who heard of the birth of his baby boy, while at sea.

Meanwhile Dick will quickly get back to the sea to return to his base in Lorient. By doing so, he will be carrying out his single-handed qualification run for the Vendée Globe.

How did this qualification run go? "Very well!" says Dick. "In any case, I'll certainly remember it. We heard of the birth of the little Foxall baby while we were at sea. Even though I'm not the father, it was still very moving ! From a sailing point of view, it was very interesting, since we met with different weather conditions ranging from hot to cold. In a way, it was a foretaste of the Barcelona World Race.This successful qualification run is a first step towards the race. It is very satisfying after several months of hard work on this new boat.I would heartily like to thank my team."

What is now on the programme? "I'm leaving Halifax as soon as possible to return to Lorient. This transatlantic crossing will be my qualification run for the Vendée Globe 2008. I will arrive in Lorient around 20 June 2007. I'm really looking forward to returning to France after being away for 8 months!"