The 2008 Vendée Globe came to an early end for Kito de Pavant, when his mast broke in the major storm that hit the Bay of Biscay. A huge disappointment for Kito that took some time to get over. After a successful 2009 with the solo Mediterranean record, a second place in the Istanbul Europa Race and then the battle at the front of the Transat Jacques Vabre between two boats that are practically sisterships, Groupe Bel and Safran, it is now time to think ahead rather than look back to the last Vendée Globe.

Kito de Pavant is of course getting ready for the Route du Rhum, but he is already sure that he will be taking part in the next Vendée Globe in 2012/2013, “to go all the way this time” as he puts it. “We have a great project, which has developed well and which works. The adventure with Groupe Bel has been extended for another two years with the goal of taking part in the next Vendée Globe. I’m lucky to have such an enthusiastic partner, who has enabled me to see my dream come true. I’ve a wonderful team and a very fine boat. Everyday is a pleasure and that’s something we can share with lots of people. I realize how extremely lucky I am,” added the Mediterranean skipper.

Antoine Fiévet, CEO of Groupe Bel confirms this, "Alongside Kito, who is a great guy and a talented sailor, we share his enjoyment, but also his quest for technical performance and good results. For every sailor, the Vendée Globe is the Holy Grail and there was no way we could just give up on it after our failure in the 2008 race.”