Jean-Pierre Dick and Roland Jourdain team up for Europa Warm-up

Jean-Pierre Dick and Roland Jourdain team up on Virbac-Paprec 3 for the Europa Warm-up © Alfredfarre.com / FNOB

24 hours from the start of the Europa Warm-up, Jean-Pierre Dick and Roland Jourdain*, who will be teaming up on board Virbac-Paprec 3, give us their impressions of the first leg with crew, from Barcelona to Cascais. The other members of the crew are Guillaume Le Brec, JP's sparring partner, Tanguy Leglatin, trainer, and Clement Duraffourg, in charge of performance within the team.

Former single-handed rivals, here you are crewing together on Virbac-Paprec 3. How do you feel about this partnership?

Roland: “When JP invited me to sail with him, I was very happy that he thought of me. We have often sailed alongside at sea, and I must admit that JP has been a sort of a pet hate for me, a very dangerous competitor on water. I remember that twice in the Transat Jacques Vabre (2003 and 2005), he particularly got on my nerves by finishing first and me second.

Jean-Pierre is a person I really like and who makes me laugh. I greatly admire the way his career has evolved in the last few years. He has an impressive record of achievements. He also managed to create a very fine offshore racing team with a high performing team. It is interesting for me to integrate this top level team for the Europa Warm-Up.”

JP: “It is a real pleasure for me to share this leg with Bilou, for his legendary good humour, of course, but also to take advantage of his experience, skills and his round-the-world perspective. Bilou, was the first person to trust me on the Imoca circuit 10 years ago. Bilou is a rascal! During the Route du Rhum 2006, I was ahead when we met in the middle of the Atlantic. He had broken his boom, but he didn't want to show it to me. With his legendary fierce determination, he managed to piece together a makeshift boom. His choice of option as he approached the finish was a good one, and he won the race. He became truly established with this victory. He is admired as a skipper who commands complete respect.”

What goals have set yourselves for this first leg? In what state of mind will you be tackling it?

Roland: “I am very confident. I am here for my own pleasure and to share good times with all the crew on board Virbac-Paprec 3. Beyond my sailing role, I can be the cook on board. I'll bring dried fruit!

Otherwise, I can tell jokes, tuck the lads in before they go to sleep... (laughs). This confidence and mutual friendship doesn't prevent us from taking things seriously and being motivated. Beyond the race itself, our goal is also to rally round JP and help with his preparation for the Vendée Globe.”

JP: “My objective is to optimize Virbac-Paprec 3's performance and to observe the behaviour of the competitors' boats in terms of speed, trimmings, technology, etc. It is obviously very good training for the Vendée Globe. I am going to take advantage of this race to work on self-management on board and increase my confidence. The first leg with crew requires good organization between the members of the crew to work effectively together.”