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19.11.2011 Back to news
Kito de Pavant: "There are some 5th places worthy of victories"
 | © Jean-Marie Liot / DPPI |
They looked drawn, but their smiles spoke volumes about this really extreme 16-day transatlantic race from start to finish, whether in light or heavy weather conditions. Just as extreme were the options chosen by the Groupe Bel crew, which was one of the most daring competitors in its tactical choices. Last of all, the mental and physical energy deployed for this fifth place, which Groupe Bel went looking for from the very start, down to the last gybes and the last cloud, was also extreme!
A look back on a great “Bel” adventure:
Kito de Pavant:
Your sixth Transat Jacques Vabre turned out to be exciting at all levels?
“It's true that it was difficult! The start of the race was very tough, and then there was no wind after the Azores and finally, we were rewarded with a wonderful time planing in the Caribbean Sea. We have really enjoyed ourselves since Saint Domingue, sailing down off the coast of Colombia."
The 'Southerners' (Banque Populaire, Macif, Groupe Bel) have not exactly had a good time this year!
“There is no doubt: the North had the advantage (Virbac Paprec 3, Hugo Boss). When we made the decision after the Azores, both options were equally good. We preferred to trust the shorter rather than longer one and we shouldn't have. We said that if there was any way to pass below the high pressure area, we would have to dive down straight away, but the window closed. We have no regrets! We made this decision together. This route has its risks, as does the northern option. The Atlantic is a big chessboard where you have to play the game. Sometimes you take bets, but you don't always win and we were not alone in this choice.”
A good comeback, however?
“Yes. “There are some 5th places worthy of victories! We were last half way through the race, which is not a pleasant experience. We still managed to get back into the game and to try out the odd maneuver, which paid off. Today, having seen that Groupe Bel sails as fast as the more recent boats is reassuring!”
One year from the Vendée Globe, has this transatlantic given you back your confidence?
“I have always had confidence in Groupe Bel, even if it's true that we have had a series of disasters in recent months. I was just as confident setting off in the Vendée Globe and the Barcelona World Race as I was in Le Havre! Once again we have succeeded in making the boat reliable and we are reaping the reward of our hard work. Not even once did we take out the toolbox, and that's good news a year from the Vendée Globe.”
Yann Régniau:
How did your first Transat Jacques Vabre go?
“Very well! Everything went really well with Kito. It's a wonderful experience even if I didn't think it would be quite so stressful! You are continuously waiting for the rankings to see if you have won or lost a few miles, but ultimately it is “really” enjoyable. No truly, it was great!
As Groupe Bel's sailmaker, what lessons have you learned from these 16 days at sea?
“I saw some things in relation to the finish and shapes, especially for the mainsail, which would reduce water pockets when we are reaching with one or two reefs. I also thought about the shapes of the forward sails for the Vendée Globe, and perhaps a more versatile sail between a spinnaker and gennaker.”
Now, Kito de Pavant and Yann Régniau will enjoy a few days of well deserved rest in Costa Rica, where the Groupe Bel technical team will take the monohull to St. Barts for an operation of public relations with partners and the Bel workers. Then, Kito will sail her back to the Mediterranean single-handed.
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