05/06/13 Two days to go: Jean-Pierre Nicol in the starting blocks www.mer-media.com/presse/communiques/Two-days-to-go-Jean-Pierre-Nicol-in-the-starting-blocks.html 1/2 Two days to go: Jean-Pierre Nicol in the starting blocks Press release Friday, 31th May 2013 The big date on the calendar is approaching: in two days from now, Jean-Pierre Nicol will be lining up at the start of the first leg of the Solitaire du Figaro, between Bordeaux and Porto (Portugal). For his seventh attempt at this prestigious French classic, the skipper of Bernard Controls is aiming to be at the top of the rankings. “I can’t wait to get out there on the water. I only have 48 hours left to wait!” The clock is ticking and the pressure increasing: on Sunday at 1300hrs, Jean-Pierre Nicol will set off on his seventh Solitaire du Figaro, the event on which he is staking everything this year. “In Bordeaux, the pre-start phase is rather special. Everyone can see that this is a major event. The media, family, friends, general public: there are crowds here and a great atmosphere. I love this atmosphere, as I need that kick of adrenalin,” explained the skipper of Bernard Controls, who will be setting sail in good shape. Which is no bad thing, as the first 536-mile leg to Porto looks quite complicated. A tricky beginning The first hurdle is getting out of the Gironde Estuary, a zone with strong currents and with lots of sand banks. “41 boats in this narrow space, which is not very clear on the charts... That could be tricky,” warned Jean-Pierre Nicol. “I’m going to be very careful, watching out to avoid collisions and running aground. According to the latest weather charts, a NE’ly flow is likely to make this exit easier. The wind will be perpendicular to us and we won’t have to tack to get out of here. However, we’ll still need to watch out for local effects. There is some uncertainty here and it’s a bit of an adventure. But I like that, and that’s one of the reasons why I’m here“. Once out of the Estuary, the fleet will have to tackle the Bay of Biscay in moderate downwind conditions with the sun out. Then, the wind is likely to strengthen, probably as they approach Cape Finisterre, where it could reach 35-40 knots. “I’m expecting see some rough conditions in this area, which is never that simple. We will then have to deal with the final stretch in very light winds, which may see the gaps widen considerably. The end of this leg will therefore be a question of strategy and potentially decisive for the rankings of this first act, and maybe even the whole Solitaire, because the result of the first leg is bound to affect the rest of the race.” “Accomplishing four good performances” That is why it is so important to settle quickly into the rhythm. To do that, Jean-Pierre has been working on his preparation and the final 48 hours ashore will be no exception to the rule. Sport, nutritious food, relaxation and naps to get used to the short periods of sleep on board… He is doing his utmost to ensure he lines up in the best of shape. “I’m managing my time much better, as everything is planned and I shal be setting off feeling much calmer than in previous years. I have therefore raised my sights. I am looking forward to a more consistent performance and one that is better in every area. My goal: accomplishing four good performances, and not just pulling off one or two good results, as I have done in previous years. That entails better management of my weaknesses and strengths. Let’s not forget that the Solitaire is a race based on overall time: so you can never ease off, even if you are in front,” explained Jean-Pierre Nicol. The very high standard of the line-up for the 44th edition of the Solitaire, with six previous winners and lots of other excellent racers, does not worry him in any case. “The standard is very high throughout and it’s going to be very close. But if I sail well, I will be up there with my rivals.” About BERNARD CONTROLS : BERNARD CONTROLS designs and manufactures electrical actuators and other control technologies. The firm is one of the world leaders in the market for automated industrial valves PHOTO Jean-Pierre Nicol - Bernard Controls © A. Courcoux / Bernard Controls (5425ko) Télécharger Jean-Pierre Nicol - Bernard Controls © JM Liot / Bernard Controls (2677ko) Télécharger Jean-Pierre Nicol - Bernard Controls © A. Courcoux / Bernard Controls (4488ko) Télécharger Download the Press pack :