Like Alain Gerbault in 1923, Eric Tabarly in 1964 and Bernard Moitessier in 1966, Jean-Pierre Dick was honoured last night by the Cruising Club of America, when he was awarded the 2013 Rod Stephens Trophy*, in the magnificent premises of the New York Yacht Club.
This Trophy rewards Jean-Pierre Dick for his achievement in the 2012 Vendée Globe, when he sailed 3643 miles (4254 km) without a keel on his boat, and still managed to finish in fourth place in the Vendée Globe. James G. Binch, Vice Admiral at the Cruising Club of America spoke about the French sailor: “I am pleased to hand this very special prize to Jean-Pierre. The Rod Stephens Trophy is a rather special Trophy. It doesn’t look at the nationality of the skipper, nor what type of boat he sailed nor at what type of race. It rewards good seamanship out on the oceans. So, I am honoured that the Cruising Club of America is rewarding Jean-Pierre Dick for his achievement in the 2012 Vendée Globe.”
Jean-Pierre Dick’s reaction: “Firstly, thank you! It means a lot to me and I am very moved this evening to receive the Rod Stephens Trophy. My whole background is in ocean racing and I was very pleased to finish this race, after all the damage I had suffered. At sea, determination is key to overcoming difficulties. The magic of this race is that it is possible to stop along the way and still get a good result in the end.”
*About the Rod Stephens Trophy. Roderick “Rod” Stephens, Jr. (1909–1995) was one of the most famous and respected sailors in America. He was Chairman of Sparkman & Stephens, the design team founded in 1929. The Rod Stephens Trophy, awarded in his honour, is attributed after an act of good seamanship contributing to the safety of a boat or one or more individuals at sea.
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