- What led you to form this partnership for the Barcelona World Race?

Kito de Pavant: Sébastien is a friend of mine and that is something that is very important when you’re talking about sailing around the world double-handed. He is also highly skilled, a good helmsman and someone who loves being at sea and getting the most out of these magnificent boats. He is one of the rare sailors, who boasts all the qualities you need to sail around the world.

Sébastien Audigane: We’ve known each other for a long time, as we sailed on Jean Le Cam’s multihull ten years ago. In 2009, I was lucky enough to take part in the Europa Race aboard Groupe Bel and we got together again in the Figaro class for the Transat AG2R last spring. I have no hesitation in setting off around the world with him.

- Kito, it’s a busy end to the year for you with the Route du Rhum and the Barcelona Race. Was it easy to organise going from one race to the other?

Kito de Pavant: Of course not. It was not that simple, as it takes a long time to get a boat ready to sail around the world. The decision to take part in both event was taken fairly late on, after the Solitaire du Figaro. Boats are built to be sailed and these are important races for the Bel project.

- What do you think of Groupe Bel’s performance in comparison to the boats launched in 2010?

Kito de Pavant: Today, Groupe Bel and her sistership Safran have become the reference in the IMOCA class. We made some good choices, which led other skippers to adopt the same ideas and build similar boats, which are light, simple, powerful and fast. The limits that were put in place after the last Vendée Globe have enabled Groupe Bel to remain competitive. I think that the standard in the Imoca class has levelled off at the top. That means we can look forward to some exciting races in the future and that’s something we can be pleased about.

Sébastien Audigane: Groupe Bel is a light boat aboard which it sometimes reminds me of what you experience on a multihull sailing downwind. She’s a boat that is suited to a range of conditions and is very pleasant to sail, not as tricky as some of the more powerful designs aboard which I have sailed.

- The Vendée Globe and the Route du Rhum did not end as you would have liked. Has that affected your confidence?

Kito de Pavant: Of course, my confidence has taken a bit of a blow, but it also makes me all the more determined. Recently we haven’t had much success and I hope things will change in 2011. There are a lot of factors at play in our sport and there are a huge number of things to deal with to be successful in a race. In a round the world race, the main goal is to get all the way around. The pressure is on, as there’s a big team behind me.

- This will be your first complete round the world race, if you finish …

Kito de Pavant: Yes, that’s one of the important things in this race, which will teach us a lot. For both Sébastien and me, the ultimate goal is to be ready for the next Vendée Globe. This double-handed race will be a good way of preparing for that.

Sébastien, how are things going as you look around for the Vendée Globe?

Sébastien Audigane: We made a lot of progress in the autumn and now I’m waiting for some replies. It’s going to take a while and I’ll be able to look at that when I get back from the Barcelona. The start of the Vendée Globe is drawing near and we have to be careful not to commit ourselves to things that just cannot be done.