At the end of December, Kito de Pavant’s Groupe Bel settled in Port Camargue for a winter refit aimed at making a few improvements, confirming them and adapting the 60 foot monohull to the most challenging of adventures, the non-stop single-handed round-the-world race.
According to Kito de Pavant, “The Transat Jacques Vabre confirmed Groupe Bel's performance, particularly when up against new boats, but she can still make headway, particularly when reaching on a beam wind (at 90° to the wind), essential in a round the world race.” To optimize her, the team has modified the size and position of the ballast inside the boat, which is there to help the skipper find the right balance. A lot is due to be done with the sails on the monohull, as she is prepared for the Vendée Globe with new shapes, new sizes and new materials.
For the skipper of Groupe Bel, it is also time to get back into shape for a season, which will require top level physical preparation. Kito de Pavant is following a muscle-building programme, especially suited to offshore racing, while waiting for his team to complete the preparation of his boat, which is due to be relaunched in late March.
