Official Statement from Virbac-Paprec sailing team:
VIRBAC-PAPREC 70 capsized this afternoon during training with a view to participating in the Transat Jacques Vabre. Jean-Pierre Dick and Roland Jourdain were sailing in 15-20 knots of wind. They were surprised by a strong gust and were unable to prevent their multihull from overturning. The mast broke into 3 pieces.
Jean-Pierre Dick: “I am still in shock. Everything happened so fast. I felt a strong gust hit us from behind. I gave the sheet traveller some slack, but probably not enough. Everything changed very quickly. I fell from a great height. I hit something and fell into the water. It was violent. Fortunately, I managed to get back on board very quickly.”
Roland Jourdain: “We were sailing in a settled 15 knot wind, but it was irregular with gusts of 18-20 knots. The conditions were workable. Suddenly, there was a gust that was stronger than the others. The boat lifted and lifted. It stayed stationary for a few interminable seconds. I eased out the solent jib. We thought we were going to fall on the right side, and well no, the boat capsized. I was very frightened for Jean-Pierre. It is the first time that I have capsized. I am shaken.” – See more at: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2013/10/10/virbac-paprec-70-capsized-belle-ile/#sthash.b2VnquKk.dpuf
Roland Jourdain: “We were sailing in a settled 15 knot wind, but it was irregular with gusts of 18-20 knots. The conditions were workable. Suddenly, there was a gust that was stronger than the others. The boat lifted and lifted. It stayed stationary for a few interminable seconds. I eased out the solent jib. We thought we were going to fall on the right side, and well no, the boat capsized. I was very frightened for Jean-Pierre. It is the first time that I have capsized. I am shaken.” – See more at: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2013/10/10/virbac-paprec-70-capsized-belle-ile/#sthash.b2VnquKk.dpuf
Roland Jourdain: “We were sailing in a settled 15 knot wind, but it was irregular with gusts of 18-20 knots. The conditions were workable. Suddenly, there was a gust that was stronger than the others. The boat lifted and lifted. It stayed stationary for a few interminable seconds. I eased out the solent jib. We thought we were going to fall on the right side, and well no, the boat capsized. I was very frightened for Jean-Pierre. It is the first time that I have capsized. I am shaken.”
