12.06.2009 Back to news
Kito wastes no time
 | © Guilain Grenier |
Qualification for the Jacques Vabre
The dynamic duo, made up of Kito de Pavant and François Gabart, qualified early in June for the Transat Jacques Vabre 2009, a two-handed race between Le Havre and Puerto Limon in Costa Rica, next November.
After spending more than 48 hours at sea on board Group Bel, our sailors are delighted. This Mediterranean sail meant that they could train together. It was also a perfect opportunity for François to discover sailing in a 60 footer, since he is racing in this season’s Figaro under the Région Bretagne colours. “It was fantastic!“ said François. “I am discovering this monohull and this qualification has helped me get my bearings on board. I feel that I am making fairly quick progress and getting a lot of pleasure out of it” These first “Jacques Vabre” configuration tacks went perfectly and the duo works really well.
Mediterranean record approved
Our two colleagues then set a course for Marseille, so that Kito could take to the starting line of the Mediterranean record again, which he improved covering the distance from Marseille to Carthage (Tunisia) in 1 day 21 hours 20’ 29“. This time was officially approved by the WSSRC (world speed record organization) on 8 June 2009.
In the starting blocks for the Gira’
The skipper and his crew are now preparing to leave for St. Tropez tomorrow, with a view to taking part in the Giraglia Rolex Cup, which will take place from 14 to 20 June. This is an important race between St. Tropez and Genoa (Italy), rounding the Hyères islands and the rock of Giraglia (rocky island north of Corsica). This year, 230 monohulls will be on the starting line, including Groupe Bel. This is what makes this meeting unique, since it is not often that you see an IMOCA monohull crossing swords with these ultramodern luxury boats. A unusual show and an absolute must. (Erreur ! Référence de lien hypertexte non valide.).
The ambassadors get wet
For the delivery between Port Camargue and Genoa, Kito took two of the Bel Group Ambassadors Club members on board with him; both from the Sablé factory. Alain and Maryse are voluntary workers who have been closely involved in the project since it began! They enjoy sharing the project with their colleagues and this sail on board the Group’s flagship was an incredible opportunity to see behind the scenes of the Bel Tchiz Tour. Thrills guaranteed!
| Read more | |||||
| All the news |
|
||||
