BERNARD CONTROLS & Jean-Pierre Nicol on the French Championship of Offshore Sailing Solo-race 2011

Press book

Jean-Pierre Nicol, a born skipper

The salty childhood of a racer...

It was in 1978, in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, that Jean-Pierre Nicol first saw the light of day and breathed in his first sea spray. He was just five days old and barely out of the maternity hospital, when his parents put out to sea with him for the first time, giving him the bug for all things oceanic, something which was to declare itself some years later. As a child, all his summer voyages and holidays invariably involved the sea.

As a teenager, Jean-Pierre traced his first wake and took the helm of his grandparents’ sailboat to enjoy the adventure of his first cruising sessions. Travels and the discovery of the open ocean came before the initial thrills linked to racing in its purest sense. In fact, at the time, the young Jean-Pierre got as much pleasure from practising sports like horse riding, tennis and judo, as he did from sailing. After passing his A’ levels and obtaining a university degree in Sports, he faced two alternatives: either to adopt the classic route of long studies or to subscribe to ‘the school of life’. It was the early 2000 years and for the young man it was the heyday in France’s sailing Mecca, La Trinité-sur-Mer, where he was able to get a ride on all manner of craft before beginning his competitive career: the Société Nautique in La Trinité-sur-Mer entrusted him with a First Class 8. Jean-Pierre turned a corner when he was asked to step into the role of boat skipper and team leader, where he developed a taste for project management. By that point he was already racking up victories and experiences. Two national titles and a victory in the European championship. He made a name for himself on the Tour de France à la Voile through the intervention of Jimmy Pahun, who placed his full trust in him by handing over the reins of his project from 2002. He matured, convinced of the need to turn professional in order to move forward and progress.

It was at this time that the sailor’s passion for single-handed sailing emerged and with it, the desire to set himself a new challenge. The Figaro Bénéteau circuit see-med like the natural way forward then, «because that’s where the best sailors are, and it’s the perfect circuit to make a name for yourself, to learn and to prove yourself».

Ambition & perseveranceA regular performance which bears fruit...

In 2007, the first season is organised with few means and a lot of certainties – in the view of the skipper – convinced that his versatility in crewed configuration would give him the keys to solo sailing. However, disillusionment ensues and the boy learns some essential lessons. At that stage he knows that he’ll have to find an ambitious partner to accompany him in his objectives and that the results would come from this support.

Despite doubts at the start and the various issues which often overrode the enjoyment, he doesn’t lose sight of his aims. At that point there’s a breakthrough in the form of Franck Citeau, the renowned coach from the Centre Entraînement Méditerranée (Mediterranean Training Centre) in La Grande Motte (French Offshore Racing hub), who offers the Breton the chance to head southwards and integrate a young team of racers. The decision isn’t an easy one to make but Jean-Pierre leaves his region, his environment and his family, convinced of the need to develop a structure. Taking a risk, he also buys his boat - his own work tool.

His stubborn determination sets him squarely on the right road and he makes fine progress. Jean-Pierre met Bernard Controls in 2009. He was then sharing his adventure with several sponsors. It was eventually Bernard Controls which gave him the deciding support he was waiting for the 2010 season. In the colours of Bernard Controls, the results aren’t long in coming thanks to a fantastic podium place in Kinsale (Ireland) in 2010, his first in the Solitaire du Figaro. He also fulfils his personal challenge for the year, namely to make it into the top 15 of the best solo offshore racers.

As the races and confrontations go by, Jean-Pierre reveals a character which is determined, open and concerned about his environment. He adopts this motto - «Go about simple things simply, Feel both strong and weak, Become the human being who grows within each day…» This perfectly sums up his façon d’être both on shore and at sea, as well as his faculty for constantly going back to his work and improving it.

Setting great store by the idea of developing his skills on a daily basis by dint of hard graft and calling himself into question, this brilliant racer has become a responsible man, geared towards the future. Reassured and encouraged by the road he has taken, he is attacking this 2011 season with the support of a solid partner, and a strong desire to surpass himself.

Length : 10,10 mWidth: 3,43mDraught : 2,10 mDisplacement : 3 050 kgBallast weight : 1 100 kgSail surface : 36 m²Genoa surface : 30m²Spinnaker surface : 85 m²Architect: Cabinet Lombard

2011 Season

This year, Jean-Pierre Nicol competes for his 5th season of the French Championship of Offshore Sailing Solo-race; the 3rd one

with Bernard Controls as a sponsor. Three major races will take place in the following months and

thus determine the final ranking of the 2011 season. Three races presented by Jean-Pierre in the next pages....

The boat

GENERALI SOLO 2011from 1st to 21st of June

Marseille - Leucate - Porquerolles

SOLItAIRE du FIGAROfrom 31st of July to 28th of August

Perros-Guirec - Caen - Dun Laoghaire - Les Sables d’Olonne - Dieppe

QuIbERON SOLOfrom 24th to 30th of September

Baie de Quiberon - Port Haliguen

Generali Solo, from 1 to 21 June 2011Missing from the Figaro Bénéteau Class’ racing schedule for several seasons, the Generali Solo is making its big comeback this year. Between Marseille, Leucate and Hyères/Porquerolles, the solo sailors will spend a month crossing swords in the Mediterranean, where they are sure to make a splash between grands prix and offshore races spanning an average of 250 miles. Renowned for being both technical and difficult with an abundance of obstacles, this event will certainly have what it takes to satisfy the rounded racer that Jean-Pierre Nicol is. Very familiar with this race zone, having trained here year round, this Generali Solo is made for him.

We’ve had a number of opportunities to stake out the race zone between Marseille and Leucate with the Centre d’Entraînement Méditerranée (Mediterranean Trai-ning Centre). We’ve pinpointed a fair amount of things to look out for, such as the effects of the headlands, which are numerous in this region. I think I’ve learnt enough about the navigation plans so as not to be surprised anymore. However, the summer conditions aren’t necessarily the same in winter so I’ll be careful. You have to remain open-minded and on your guard!

I’ve never taken part in this meeting before but, as a general rule, the event format involves shorter legs than those in the Solitaire du Figaro, which real-ly suits me. I like alternating between tactical and deep-sea courses. There will be a lot of transitions, so it’ll be important to keep my cool and be on the look-out. It’s a race where it’s hard to make big gains; the minute you’re in a position where you feel you can get the upperhand, you’ve just got to go for it. The line-up may also be more open than on other events. I’m really counting on this Generali Solo to build up my confidence with a view to the Solitaire du Figaro.

From 1 to 5 June : Marseille

Wednesday 1 June: Opening of the Official Race Village situated on the Quai d’Honneur, in front of the Mairie de Marseille (Town Hall)

thursday 2 June: Prologue for the Generali Solo 2011Friday 3 June: Grand Prix Marseille Provence (windward-leeward and coastal courses)

Saturday 4 June: Grand Prix Marseille Provence (windward-leeward and coastal courses)Sunday 5 June: Start in the harbour of Marseille of the first major offshore race: bound for Leucate.

From 7 to 13 June : Leucate

tuesday 7 June: Finish of the first major race in Leucatethursday 9 June: Leucate Grand Prix (windward-leeward and coastal courses)

Friday 10 and Saturday 11 June: Leucate Grand Prix (continuation)Sunday 12 June (Day Off) – Race Village entertainment, skippers’ meeting

Monday 13 June: Start of the 2nd major offshore race: bound for Porquerolles

From 15 to 19 June : Porquerolles

Wednesday 15 June: Finish of the major offshore raceFriday 17 and Saturday 18 June: Grand Prix Hyères-Porquerolles (windward-leeward and coastal courses)

Sunday 19 June: Event round-up and Prize-giving evening for the Generali Solo 2011

http://www.generali-solo.com/

From 23 to 31 July : Perros Guirec

Saturday 23 July: Opening of the race village Friday 29 July: Prologue Eric Bompard

Sunday 31 July: Start of the 1st 320 mile leg to Caen

From 2 to 7 August : Caen

tuesday 2 August: Scheduled finish of the boatsFriday 5 August : Prize-giving for the 1st stage

Sunday 7 August: Start of the 2nd 470 mile leg to Dun Laoghaire

From 10 to 14 August : dun Laoghaire (Ireland)

Wednesday 10 August: Scheduled finish of the boatsFriday 12 August : Prize-giving for the 2nd stage

Sunday 14 August: Start of the 3rd leg to Les Sables d’Olonne (475 miles)

From 17 to 21 August : Les Sables d’Olonne

Wednesday 17 August: Scheduled finish of the boatsFriday 19 August : Prize-giving for the 3rd stage

Sunday 21 August: Start of the 4th leg to Dieppe (430 miles)

From 24 to 28 August - dieppe

Wednesday 24 August: Scheduled finish of the boatsFriday 26 August : Prize-giving for the 4th stage

Saturday 27 August: Prize-giving evening & Gala dinner for the Solitaire 2011Sunday 28 August: Event round-up

http://www.lasolitaire.com/

Solitaire du Figaro, from 29 July to 28 August 2011

Solitaire du Figaro, from 29 July to 28 August 2011With a 1,695 mile course between the English Channel, the Atlantic and the Irish Sea, the 2011 vintage of the Solitaire du Figaro promises to be first-rate for the solo sailors taking part. The 320 miles that make up the first stage between Perros Guirec and Caen will serve as a tough introduction for the competitors, who will have to escape the various pitfalls and currents along the coastline of France’s Côte d’Armor region. Once clear of land they can go and ‘play’ along the British coastline, before setting a course for the Baie de Seine in North-East France. Act 2 sets out from Normandy on a 470 mile battle to the only overseas stopover of this 2011 edition of the Solitaire du Figaro. After a coastal course along the shores of the Cotentin and as far as the Cap de la Hague, competitors will head towards Land’s End, at the South-West tip of England, then on to Ireland and Dun Laoghaire situated to the South-East of Dublin. The third leg will span some 475 miles between the Emerald Isle and Les Sables d’Olonne on France’s Atlantic coast, via what will always be a tricky negotiation of the North-West tip of Brittany and the passage of the islands of Groix, Belle-Ile-en-Mer and Yeu. Finally, it’s between the Vendée region and Dieppe that the event’s epilogue will be written, after a rounding of Brittany, another passage of the Raz Blanchard and a finish which, some two years ago, had some nasty surprises in store for a number of sailors, who remained trapped beneath the Norman cliffs. Again something rather special to consecrate an exceptional sailor and enable Jean-Pierre Nicol to express the true range of his talent.

The course for the 2011 edition is doubtless a little more coastal than usual and I admit that I’m fairly pleased about that. Generally I feel less at ease over the big sections, where there is a lot of lateral separation. Obviously I still feel positive about last year’s Irish stage and in events like this confidence is important. There’s going to be a fair few passages of the Raz Blanchard and with it comes the promise that you’re taking your life in your hands each time. The fleet will certainly be spread out at the finish and we’ll have to be vigilant so as not to miss out on the chance to pull a blinder should the opportunity arise. We’ll begin with a fairly short initial leg which won’t be a bad introduction. Whether or not there’s a big split between the fleet, the next stage will ensue... I know that I’m going to have to stay with the frontrunners and not miss my chance. Beyond that, there will be some fine warlike stages where it’ll be necessary to really give it your all, especially in the Irish Sea.

http://www.lasolitaire.com/

Quiberon Solo, from 24 to 30 September The final event of the French Solo Offshore Championship 2011, it’s during the Quiberon Solo that the title as well as the Top Ten listing will be decided. It will involve some ‘windward-leeward’ courses over two days, which will be awarded a coefficient 1. In addition to this, a Tour de Belle-Ile counts for two points and a Grande Course (Major Race) scores three points in the drawing up of the final ranking. As such, the Quiberon Solo will have something for everyone and will give as much importance to the exercise of round the cans racing as it does offshore racing. It’s the perfect for-mat for Jean-Pierre Nicol who will be performing on home waters... Any competition should take heed!

It’s an excellent sequence of events for me. I’m ending with an exercise that I know better than the others and the one I prefer. There is sure to be a bit of pressure because all the races count and there are a lot of them. It’s also in this event that the French Solo Offshore Cham-pionship will be decided. There’s everything to gain and everything to lose. It’s essential that you can count on a consistent performance!

Saturday 24 September

Attendance by the solo sailors – Formalities and tests18.30 : Presentation of the solo sailors to the public

Sunday 25 September

Scrutineering operations – Safety tests12.00 : General competition briefing

Monday 26 September

Three official races in the Baie de Quiberon

tuesday 27 September

11.30 : Briefing Grande Course (Major Race)15.00 : Start of the Grande Course (Finish Wednesday 28 Sept.)

thursday 29 September

Three official races in the Baie de Quiberon

Friday 30 September

08.00 : Briefing for the Tour de Belle-Ile09.30 : Start of the Tour de Belle-Ile

20.00 : Official Partners’ evening

http://www.sailingone.com/

BERNARD CONTROLS, main sponsor

BERNARD CONTROLS is one of the worldwide leaders in the electric automation of industrial valves. BERNARD CONTROLS is present in all its markets - Power generation, Water, Building & Industries, Oil & Gas - as close partner of the most demanding industries. BERNARD CONTROLS is n°1 in the nuclear sector.This international group gathers 75 years of continuous experience and know-how to design and produce electric actuators and associated control technologies.

BERNARD CONTROLS relies on a certified and acknowledged expertise.Sites, processus et products are certified by main international standard organizations (ABS, AFAQ - ISO9001, ATEX, GOST, IEEE, NEMA, RCC-E…).BERNARD CONTROLS has been approved by major end users and engineering companies worldwide : ADNOC, ALSTOM POWER, AREVA, BLUE CIRCLE, EDF, ENEL, GAZ DE FRANCE, KHNP, KOC, LAFARGE, NIOC, PETROBRAS, QATAR PETROLEUM, SAUDI ARAMCO, SHELL, SK ENGINEERING, SUEZ, TECHNIP, TOTAL, VEOLIA…

BERNARD CONTROLS is an international industrial group which brings together a strong network throughout the world: 7 subsidiaries in Asia (China), the United States and Europe (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain) 4 sales offices in Asia (Bangkok & Shanghai), the Middle-East (Dubaï) and Russia (Moscow) More than 50 agents / distributors across all continents, of which JCN in Brazil and Yoo Shin in South Korea

Invest in Confidence

Group

Presentation

More information about BERNARD CONTROLS in our « Group Presentation », downloadable on sur www.bernardcontrols.com

Key figures:40M € of Turnover (2010)

350 members of staff in the world70% of sales outside France

3 production units in France (Gonesse - North of Paris, Grandvilliers - Oise) and in China

7 subsidiaries4 sales offices

Plus de 50 agents / distributors in the world

BERNARD CONTROLS, main sponsor

In 2011 BERNARD CONTROLS continues its partnership with Jean-Pierre Nicol for the 3rd consecutive year and 2nd season as main sponsor.

BERNARD CONTROLS. Beyond the word, controls is a business in its own right. And beyond our business as designers and manufacturers of actuators, this involves an overarching understandingof industrial processes which imply both human and financial challenges of safety and productivity. These are common challenges with Jean-Pierre Nicol’s adventure.

Beyond an affinity for sailing and the benefits of strong media back-up, the sponsorship package for Jean-Pierre Nicol is synonymous with a means for BERNARD CONTROLS to convey values which it shares on a daily basis :

Relationship, Expertise, Loyalty, Innovation, Dedication

These values, which gathers our employees every day, bring us together once again with Jean-Pierre Nicol.

Relationship

Expertise

Loyalty

Innovation

Dedication

Control(s)

Additional partnersThis year, two major agents / distributors of BERNARD CONTROLS have decided to take part in Jean-Pierre Nicol’s challenge. Here is a short presentation of these two additional partners.

JCN, company founded more than 20 years ago, is nowadays the largest distributor for industrial valves in Brazil, as well as one of the most important for electric actuators.ISO 9001-2008 certified, JCN gathers more than 40 experts at the service of the following industries: oil & gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, steel as well as power generation, mining or sanitation....

Find out more on www.jcn.com.brContact: jcn@jcn.com.br

YOO SHIN is one of BERNARD CONTROLS’ international agents/distributors in Asia. Located in South Korea and specialist in oil and gas applications, YOO SHIN offers total solutions for valve automation.

Find out more on www.yooshineni.comContact: yooshineni@empal.com

Track the sailing season of Jean-Pierre Nicol

Extrême ExplorerPaul-Edouard Henry+33 6 64 80 33 88pauled@extremeexplorer.fr12, rue du Sentier75002 - Paris - France

BERNARD CONTROLSAlexandra Fontaine - Marketing & CommunicationTel: +33 1 34 07 71 00 / Fax: +33 1 34 07 71 01alexandra.fontaine@bernardcontrols.com4, rue d’Arsonval - BP 70091 - Gonesse cedex Francewww.bernardcontrols.com

CONTACTS

www.jpnicol.com www.bernardcontrols.com

Jean-Pierre Nicol - Navigateur on Facebook

Jean-Pierre Nicol on Twitter

On social networks