Annual financial report 2007 - Virbac

PacificTauranga: birthplace of an amazingmonohullSatisfied with completing his first Vendée Globe in 6 th positionin the Virbac-Paprec but still thirsting for victory, Jean-PierreDick did not want to take any chances in his next solo, nonstopand unaided round-the-world trip. His new asset is thePaprec-Virbac 2.A unique combination of innovation, safety and performance,the original sketch was transformed into a blueprint by theexperts at Farr Yacht Design.The builder still had to be chosen:“We visited six sites throughout the world, in Australia, NewZealand and the United States” explained Jean-Pierre Dick.“We chose Southern Ocean Marine as they showed greatmotivation for our project, in addition to know-how and greatexperience. It was important for us to choose a good site so as toobtain the most successful boat possible”.A trim tab occupies the whole of the rear of the boat and isover one metre long. Long used in small speedboats, thisadjustable tab at the rear of the hull is an unprecedentedinnovation in a 60-foot monohull. In sailing, the skipper checksthe rise or fall of the trim tab to adjust the trim of the boat.Another amazing innovation: to accommodate the skipper andenable him to remain in position longer and more effectively,the Paprec-Virbac 2 has the appearance of a cabriolet: a slidingroof provides the sailor with retractable shelter of several sizesto protect him from sea spray when he comes out to make hisadjustments.Inside too, the Paprec-Virbac offers further innovations: hightechnology in a monk’s cell. Everything here has to contributeto performance. There is no toilet; the kitchen is reducedto a miniature basin, a stove and a basic condiment holder.This cell houses an unusual pivoting cockpit known as the“satellite”. Mounted on a semi-circular rail, it incorporatesonboard computers, means of communication and storagespace in a single card-table unit, all pivoting from side to sidedepending on the list of the boat.The Barcelona World Race, which started on 11 November2007, provided the opportunity for Jean-Pierre Dick to set sailagain after several months in the shipyard testing theextraordinary innovations of his new monohull. The challengeof winning the first two-handed, non-stop round the worldrace was taken up by Jean-Pierre Dick and Damien Foxall.These experienced skippers needed a real ability to get alongin close quarters and a good dose of courage and calm toarrive in the Paprec-Virbac 2 safe and sound.24 • 2007 ANNUAL REPORT