30.09.2011
Please find the latest on Jean-Pierre Nicol’s adventures in the
French Figaro circuit below and probably your best bet for viewing the final
results for the French Solo Offshore Racing Championship is at
http://www.classefigarobeneteau.com/Files/Ressources/Classements/BDD_749.PDF
www.jpnicol.com
Jean-Pierre Nicol rounds off the season with a victory!
It was with glorious sunshine and a deserved victory – the first of the
circuit for Jean-Pierre Nicol – that the Quiberon Solo drew to a close today
and with it the Figaro Bénéteau season 2011. Largely dominating the only
race contested this Friday – a long 20-mile coastal course – the skipper of
Bernard Controls was finally able to show what he’s made of on the race
zone, treating himself to the luxury of a happy ending. Twelfth in the
French Solo Offshore Racing Championship standing (prior to validation by
the French Sailing Federation), the sailor has progressed in leaps and
bounds this season.
It’s worth knowing that Jean-Pierre Nicol isn’t one to rest on his laurels,
especially after an earlier disappointment. As such, struggling to get his
bearings in the Baie de Quiberon this week, the skipper of Bernard Controls
was keen to round off the season on a positive note, not just for him but
also to thank his partner for its loyalty. With just one coastal course of
around twenty miles on today’s programme, he had to demonstrate both
assurance and conviction. Opting for the left side of the race zone, the
skipper of Bernard Controls pipped all his rivals to the post from the very
first mark rounding and left nobody the opportunity to make up the deficit.
Stretching out a fine lead with every passing mile, Jean-Pierre won the race
in style, truly dominating for the first time since his arrival on the
Figaro Bénéteau circuit: "I played with the current a great deal and I
managed to draw on my knowledge of the race zone. I rounded the marks ten
minutes before the others, which is unheard of in the Solitaire du Figaro!
It’s my first victory and I’m really delighted about it. I hope that it’s a
sign of things to come for next season! I’m really happy on a personal
level, but above all I’m happy for my partner. I’m happy to give this
victory to all those at Bernard Controls. I’m finally beginning to feel at
ease when the courses are longer, which makes a pleasant change! This week,
this type of format suited me better".
From a round-the-cans sailor to an offshore man
By dint of training, sheer stubbornness and hard work, this born racer with
a penchant for inshore sprints has become an offshore man and has continued
to improve from one season to the next. Though his fifteenth place in the
Quiberon Solo isn’t necessarily the position he originally had in his
sights, the skipper of Bernard Controls has nevertheless drawn some more
than positive lessons from the event: "I’m really getting the sense now that
my trajectories are beginning to get more fluid. I’m up there with the fast
boats. I’ve felt a bit of fatigue towards the latter part of the season so
it’s up to me now to fire myself up so that I’m in on the action all the way
to the finish, right up to the last race. Overall though, I really feel more
at ease to be able to express myself. I’m still a long way from being able
to dominate the fleet so I have some work ahead of me. However, I feel a bit
easier with myself than most. That’s also what helps me to go the distance.
One thing for sure is that I’ve really got a solid grounding now thanks to
the CEM (training school in the South of France). I can now rely on some
good experience too. On a technical level, there’s no longer a massive
difference between the person in first place and me. It all comes down to
little details now".
Twelfth in the French Solo Offshore Racing Championship 2011 (prior to
validation by the French Sailing Federation), an assured Jean-Pierre Nicol
is keeping going on his mission to get up into the celebrated Top Ten.
“They’re the most difficult places to bag" says the skipper of Bernard
Controls. However, we can certainly count on him to work up to a prime
position next season!
Find out more about BERNARD CONTROLS...
BERNARD CONTROLS is one of the world leaders in the electric actuator
market. Thanks to 75 years’ experience and expertise, this international
company, which is both industrial and technological, provides comprehensive
solutions for the automation of industrial valves. A partner to the most
demanding of industries – Energy, Water, Oil & Gas - BERNARD CONTROLS
gathers together 7 subsidiaries spanning China, the United States and
Europe, 4 commercial offices in Asia, the Middle East and Russia, as well as
over 50 agents /distributers across the world.
Beyond an affinity for sailing and the benefits of strong media back-up, the
sponsorship package for Jean-Pierre Nicol is synonymous with a means for
BERNARD CONTROLS to convey values, outside the strictly professional
context, which it shares on a daily basis: commitment, passion, expertise
and high standards.
For further information please visit www.bernardcontrols.com
Translated by Kate Jennings – Expression
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