Virbac-Paprec 70 launches

Vendee Globe legend heads for three hulls

“A new page has turned and a new challenge is beginning” - these were the words of Jean-Pierre Dick observing his brand new MOD70 trimaran Virbac-Paprec 70 being lifted into the water for the first time today.

Just a few weeks on from finishing the Vendée Globe, Dick will now continue his professional sailing career on three hulls. Dick is new to multihull racing and so this season will be a learning one.

“When I see this new boat, I feel great pride," says Dick. "This feeling reminds me of when my first Virbac-Paprec was launched in 2003. I love these transitions, these moments when you start out on a new adventure. Multihull sailing with a crew demands other skills. It is going to be a challenge and I will have to learn fast.

“The next days will be used to discover Virbac-Paprec 70. We are going to slowly raise the pressure by training regularly before the first race: the Grand Prix Guyader in Douarnenez. I am surrounded by very skilled people. I like them all. We are going to learn to know each other at sea, and to be strong together. It is my wish that this project be of high human value!”

Programme:

Grand Prix Guyader: from 3 to 6 May 2013/ Crew-manned race in Douarnenez
Armen Race: from 9 to 12 May 2013/360 mile offshore race starting at La Trinité-sur-Mer
Route des Princes: from 9 to 30 June 2013/ Crew-manned race round Europe/5 legs: Valence - Lisbon - Dublin - Plymouth - Morlaix
Transat Jacques Vabre: from 3 November 2013/Doublehanded transatlantic race between Le Havre and Itajai (Brazil)