Two boating with JP

An update on BT skipper Seb Josse's Vendee Globe preparations

With just over two months to go until the start of the Vendée Globe on 9 November from Les Sables D'Olonnes, France, the aim of the project at the moment is really one of putting miles on the boat, and making final race preparations for the Vendee Globe following the refit in July.

Last week Sébastien Josse, skipper of the BT Open 60, went two-boat testing for a few days with co-Vendée Globe entry Jean-Pierre Dick on board Paprec-Virbac 2.The two skippers, both from Nice, sailed against each other on a pre-determined training programme to carry out specific sail testing, Sébastien will be sailing nearly every day between now and November, and as he and the shore team become confident in every detail of the boat the real purpose of sailing shifts more and more towards Seb's training, and less on testing. He is constantly working to improve his techniques for manoeuvres and sail changes, and to know how to get every last drop of speed out of the boat. He will also be making sure he knows every system on board BT inside-out, trying to make the 'user errors' now so they can be avoided, or at least prepared for, during the race.

In addition to the sport and technical side, "we are thinking about ways to keep Seb amused and in a positive mental state during the race," explained shore crew member Charlie Carter. "Although he is very strong mentally as well as physically, even the hardest man will benefit from a laugh or treat during the storms and cold of the Southern Ocean - especially on Christmas Day! I can't say too much as I don't want to ruin the surprise for Seb, but we definitely have plans to brighten his darkest days, and he may even find Santa has paid him a visit - super-lightweight presents only!" concluded Charlie with a mysterious smile on his face!