Loick Peyron (left) and Jean-Pierre Dick celebrate their victory in the Barcelona World Race. Image copyright Nico Martinez/Barcelona World Race.
by Zoe Hawkins
Virbac-Paprec 3’s success in the Barcelona World Race utilising 3Di sails from North Sails as part of a complete North Sails inventory will be music to the ears of Volvo Ocean Race teams using the product when the race starts at the end of this year.
This week Virbac-Paprec 3, skippered by Jean-Pierre Dick and Loick Peyron, became the first yacht to circumnavigate the world with a complete set of 3Di sails from North Sails, winning the double-handed Barcelona World Race and setting a new 24 hour world speed record for the IMOCA 60 class in the process. The 25,000 mile race was the first high profile offshore racing challenge for 3Di, which was introduced to the world via Alinghi’s black sails in 2007.
In fact, Virbac-Paprec 3 made it around the world without stopping for sail repairs at all. The only sail related issue was the need for a replacement sail bag during their technical stop in Wellington.
3Di sails have become the weapon of choice for top race teams such as Virbac Paprec 3; it has given sailing its biggest leap in performance since North Sails 3DL was introduced two decades ago, and now it is proven to be able to endure the rigours of a global circumnavigation.
MAPFRE with Spanish Olympians Iker Martinez and Xabi Fernandez placed second in the Barcelona World Race, also with a full North Sails inventory.
All entrants in the next Volvo Ocean Race will use 3Di.
Virbac-Paprec 3 also carried a Southern Spars Mast and EC6 Continuous rigging.
For more information about 3Di for your boat, visit www.northsails.com
