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The Generali Solo 2011
www.generali-solo.com - Regatta Europa 2011
The Generali Solo 2011
Marseille - Leucate - Porquerolles, from 1 to 21 June 2011
The Solitaire du Figaro
Perros-Guirec, Caen, Dun Laoghaire (Irl), Les Sables d’Olonne, Dieppe, from
31 July to 28 August 2011
The Quiberon Solo
24 to 30 September 2011
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15.06.2011
Jean-Pierre Nicol second in Porquerolles
He had announced a port-to-port hop coloured by daring, calculated risk and
tenacity. On crossing the finish line in Porquerolles shortly before 0800
hours GMT this morning in second position, just 19 seconds astern of the
winner, Jean-Pierre Nicol has more than kept his word. In an offshore race
generously spiced by the capricious weather characteristic of the
Mediterranean, which served up a mixture of steady winds and phases of calm
conditions, the skipper of Bernard Controls constantly demonstrated an
inspired strategy, following it through to the end with every move he made.
Once again showing himself to be one of the major players in this Generali
Solo, he has confirmed his capacity to put up a consistent performance and,
rather logically, he has earned himself second place in the provisional
general ranking.
Fourth in the port-to-port hop between Marseille and Leucate, Jean-Pierre
Nicol fully intended to drive the point home on setting out from the
Languedoc port, and really show that he has what it takes offshore as well
as around the cans. Immediately plunging into conditions which were
favourable for speed, the skipper of Bernard Controls opted for an inshore
option the minute the first strategic choices opened up. As he then
traversed the Golfe du Lion, he made the most of the Tramontana to rack up
the miles before the forecast drop in wind strength. Perfectly negotiating
the transitions, it was once again a course hugging the coast, in his quest
for the thermal breeze, which was where the Breton sailor made the
difference: "The option to head inshore each time was really down to our
router Sylvain Mondon. We had some very precise outlines in mind as we set
off from Leucate and then it was necessary to adapt them slightly as it
didn’t all go as planned. However, I admit that I’m very happy with the way
I overcame certain difficulties. Aside from the Tramontana and the Mistral
at the start, the wind was hitting us from every which way and that’s what
launched the "battle of the thermals". In all the transition phases, I
nearly always took the initiative. I’m beginning to really get a feel for my
boat and know what I want. I feel like I’m starting to get wiser and that
may be the reason why I’m often at the front of the pack..."
The delight of aspiring to be the best
Despite the intense heat currently permeating the Mediterranean, despite the
fatigue which is forcing the competitors to dig deep into their last sources
of energy, Jean-Pierre Nicol has never given up. "This particular stage
ended with a gybing battle between Francisco Lobato and I and ultimately he
finished 19 seconds ahead of me. I might have been able to win this race but
I saw Fabien Delahaye coming back into it and I suddenly decided to control
the most threatening of my adversaries in the general ranking. I am very
happy to have put up a good performance and move up onto the second step of
the podium, even though the competition is extremely tight. With just a few
days until the end of this event, I am delighted to be in contention for a
podium place and why not victory too. This was by real objective when I
began to compete in this Generali Solo. I’m thrilled that I’ve been able to
show I can be consistent, though I’m well aware that it will be an entirely
different ball game in the Solitaire (du Figaro) and that there is nothing
here to suggest how that will pan out".
Moored in the fabulous island setting of Porquerolles, the solo sailors will
have nearly two days to relax before they attack the home straight. Friday
and Saturday will see them racing in the Grand Prix Hyères – Porquerolles,
where the sailors will have to draw on their final reserves. As they sharpen
their weapons for the final battle, one thing is certain, Jean-Pierre Nicol
will be going for broke in a bid to hoist Bernard Controls as high as
possible!
Track the sailing season of Jean-Pierre Nicol and BERNARD CONTROLS at
http://www.jpnicol.com/
2011 programme for Jean-Pierre Nicol
The Generali Solo (Solo)
Marseille - Leucate - Porquerolles, from 1 to 21 June 2011
The Solitaire du Figaro (Solo)
Perros-Guirec, Caen, Dun Laoghaire (Irl), Les Sables d’Olonne, Dieppe, from
31 July to 28 August 2011
The Quiberon Solo (Solo)
Technical inshore event (windward leeward races and coastal courses), from
24 to 30 September 2011
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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