MOD70 trimaran flips
Virbac Paprec capsizes while training for the TransatChampion French sailor Jean-Pierre Dick’s new MOD70 trimaran Virbac Paprec has capsized while he and crew member Roland Jourdain were training for the Transat Jaques Vabre race.
According to Roland, the pair were sailing in 15-18 knots of breeze and handling the conditions comfortably when a stronger gust grabbed the giant tri. “We were sailing in a settled 15 knot wind, but it was irregular with gusts of 18-20 knots. The conditions were workable,” he said.
“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."
Word from the team stated that both sailors thought they were unhurt but Dick was later transferred by helicopter to hospital in Lorient where he was diagnosed with a collapsed vertebrae.
“I fell from a great height,” he said. “I hit something and fell into the water. It was violent. Fortunately, I managed to get back on board very quickly. I quickly realised that my back hurt. We waited for the rescue teams feeling great sadness."
The boat’s mast was broken in three places in the capsize and the upturned trimaran is being towed to Lorient.
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