Dick reaches New Zealand

Paprec Virbac 2 ends up back at her birthplace

Yesterday evening, Jean-Pierre Dick and Paprec Virbac 2 arrived in Auckland. Part of his technical team, accompanied by Louis Vuitton's Bruno Troublé, moored Paprec-Virbac 2 in Auckland marina at the Team New Zealand pontoon.

By setting foot on shore, after 64 days at sea, so Dick has ended this Vendée Globe 2008 for good and admits his sadness. For several weeks, he was one of the leaders of this magnificent race for several weeks. However, he quickly wants to turn over a new leaf and look to the future with his partners.

“I’ve just arrived in Auckland after more than 1,800 miles (3,333 km) in the Indian Ocean with a damaged rudder. It was very difficult sailing. After my second rudder broke away on 31 December 2008, following a collision with some unidentified flotsam, the aim was to get the boat safely back to harbour. So it’s a good thing done, even if it feels very strange to be here, in New Zealand. 13 days ago, I was racing in the Vendée Globe; today I am setting foot on ashore on the other side of the world, where the boat was born. It’s a shared feeling!”

As to the Vendée Globe itself Dick says: “I was doing well. The preparation for all the different parts of the project was good. Paprec-Virbac 2 is a fast boat and I felt comfortable with this race. Before abandoning on 31 December, I was still in the leading group and also had led the race for several days. These are positive things. So, I showed my abilities during this Vendée Globe. Unfortunately, however, fate decided otherwise. To be hit twice by a UFO is really unbelievable! This is a mechanical sport and one must accept random accidents.

"Another positive point is that the Vendée Globe is THE race to take part in. It is popular and is given good media coverage. For me and my sponsors, it was a wise gamble to choose an IMOCA 60 and this circuit, seven years ago.”

As to what follows Dick says: “The boat will be loaded onto a cargo ship before the end of the month and will be in France by end February for yard work. To set foot on shore means the end of this Vendée Globe. It is hard to accept that all our efforts were not crowned with success. I am now going to turn over a new leaf and look towards the future. I have a great team, loyal sponsors and fine projects to come.”