Vendee Globe Race competitor Jean-Pierre Dick, will surely receive a hero’s welcome when he completes the final section of his circumnavigation of the world later today without a keel on his 60′ singlehanded raceboat.
If his fourth place is to count however, he also needs the race’s international jury to agree with him that using his engine to moor was critical to the safety of his boat.
This morning Dick left the Spanish port of San Cyprian in Galicia, where he had been sheltering from strong winds after losing his keel in the Atlantic eleven days ago, and is now gingerly sailing the final 250 miles to the finish at Les Sables D’Olonne.
He hopes to arrive in Les Sables d’Olonne some time between midday and eight this evening French time, believes he had no other option but to start his engine to pick up the mooring in order to protect himself and his boat.
“I think I made the right choice.” he said said today. “I’m also waiting for the jury decision about my stop and the fact I used the engine. I hope they will understand it was for the good of my boat.”
UPDATE: The international jury today announced that Dick would receive no penalty for using his engine – a breach of the rules but one they ruled to be a minor offence.
Image credit: Virbac-Paprec Sailing Team
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