Vendée Globe

The Bel Group and Kito de Pavant enter a new phase together with the forthcoming construction of a new 18-metre monohull. The skipper and his partner have chosen the Van Peteghem-Lauriot Prévost design team in conjunction with Guillaume Verdier, for the design of this new boat, which is due to be launched next summer. The choice of yard has not yet been determined. The first race for the boat will be the Transat Jacques Vabre in November 2007 (two-handed race between Le Havre and Salvador de Bahia in Brazil.)

Interview with Kito de PAVANT :



- The adventure with Bel continues. Is this a dream coming true for you?

« Yes, I am pleased to this partnership develop. It’s really satisfying to see this project working out. These boats and the races for this series like the Vendée Globe, the Route du Rhum and the Transat Jacques Vabre have always attracted me. What I experienced alongside Bernard (Gallay) then Jean (Le Cam) only strengthened my resolve. I would like to add that the quality of the relationship with the Bel Group over the past year and particularly with its employees has given the project a human dimension, which suits me perfectly. »



- What do you think about this new development ?

« It’s something new for me, but it’s exciting to start out from a blank page and build a boat from scratch, put together a team, choose the architects and find a yard... Even if that involves a lot of work, it’s fascinating. I’m surrounded by people I appreciate, who have a lot of talent and who are willing to give their utmost to succeed in this challenge. »



- Why did you choose the Van Peteghem – Lauriot Prévost design studio and Guillaume Verdier ?

«First of all, there’s something objective in this decision. The impressive expertise of the VPLP studio for many years now in multihull design gives a new way of looking at monohulls and this work is backed by the experience of Guillaume Verdier in this type of boat design. That is what attracted us. Then, there is a more emotional argument. With this team there is a good feeling, and we work well together and that is what led us to this decision.»



- What will be the next stage of the programme?

«A lot of work and energy to construct a solid team around the project. The pieces of the puzzle are slowly coming together. We’re currently drawing up the teams, who will have to learn to work together. Our schedule is very tight. There are some important choices left to make, such as the choice of yard and suppliers for the boat’s construction. Then, the Bel group has signed up as the title sponsor, but we shall be looking for co-partners too. We’ll certainly not get bored this winter! »



- What about the “Laughing Cow” in all that? What does she have to say?

« This summer I had a long talk with her… and she said, Ireland, Spain, Istanbul, that is all fine, but I’d like to go further with you. So I told her it was OK! I’ll take you off to new destinations. More seriously, this is a great day for me. We couldn’t wait to talk about it and share this news with everyone, who has been following me and supporting me over the years. So, now it’s time to get down to some work! »

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