The 60ft monohull Virbac-Paprec skippered by Jean Pierre Dick crossed the finish line of the Calais Round Britain Race yesterday at 14 hours 26 minutes 02 seconds to take third place. The Farr design took 7 days 1 hour 56 minutes and 02 seconds to cover the 1815 miles of this race clockwise rounding of the British Isles from Calais to Calais at an average speed of 10.68 knots.

Virbac-Paprec’s crew comprised: Jean-Pierre Dick’s crew: Nicolas Abiven (FRA), Charles Caudrelier (FRA), Erwan Tabarly (FRA), Nicolas Bérenger (FRA).

After taking a flying start last Sunday, Jean Pierre Dick and his crew began their beat off the headlands of Blanc Nez and Gris Nez, being handicapped by their hydraulic keel ram. After their first night at sea they were in a favourable position however, in third place mid Channel. Unfortunately luck was not on their side however, the crew’s spinnaker shredding that same day, losing them precious miles on the leaders. From then on it was a battle to hang onto the head of the fleet and their efforts were justly rewarded on numerous occasions, particularly on the home straight in the North Sea

The race in figures

Start from Calais Sunday 22 May at 1230 GMT

Virbac-Paprec’s finish in Calais Sunday 29 May at 14h26m02s GMT

Course time 7 days 1 hour 56 mins 02 secs

Average speed 10.68 knots