Jean-Pierre Dick and Damian Foxall have just completed their qualification run for the Barcelona World Race between Panama and Halifax aboard the new Farr-designed Open 60Paprec-Virbac..

All that remains now is for the team to compete in the Rolex Fastnet Race in August to finally qualify for the two-handed round the world race that will leave Barcelona (Spain) on 11 November 2007.

Dick will now return to his base in Lorient alone in order carry out his single-handed qualification run for the Vendée Globe.

Chatting about this week’s qualification for the Barcelona World Race Dick said: “This successful qualification run is a first step towards the race. It is very satisfying after several months of hard work on this new boat.

“I’m leaving Halifax as soon as possible to return to Lorient. This transatlantic crossing will be my qualification run for the Vendée Globe 2008. I will arrive in Lorient around 20 June 2007. I’m really looking forward to returning to France after being away for eighth months.”