Jean-Pierre Dick, the four-times Transat Jacques Vabre winner, is hoping for better fortune in this year’s Pure Ocean Challenge from Bermuda to Lorient.

The Frenchman was forced to retire from last year’s 2,900 nautical mile race due to a mechanical breakdown on his JP54.

“Last year we were surprised by very challenging sea conditions and were forced to retire with engine problems,” he said. “We are hoping for a better outcome this year.”

Dick’s monohull is among a racing fleet of four which also includes two 42-foot multihulls and a Volvo Open 70, that will set sail from St George’s on May 7 in the fourth instalment of the annual race.

“It is a wonderful journey that allows us to observe incredible natural phenomena such as icebergs, the gulf stream currents, large ocean depressions and anticyclones,” the Pure Ocean ambassador added. “Moreover, the timing is perfect. We will enjoy the beautiful, long spring days.

“On the other hand, the weather can hold surprises for us. The winds are still very strong with deep depressions moving eastwards.”

Also competing is Jacques Valente on the 42-foot multihull, Be Creative, which has a crew of four.

“I estimate that it’s going to take us about 14 or 15 days to get to Lorient,” said the professional sailor, who has also competed in the Route de Rhum and Mini Transat races.

“We’ll try and stay as far south as possible and hope for high pressure and good conditions.”

The fleet will attempt to break the race record set by Eugène Riguidel and Jean-François le Menec, who completed the journey in 12 days 23 hours and 16 minutes on the catamaran William-Saurin in 1983.

The record for a monohull is 12 minutes slower and is held by Jean-Claude Parisis and Olivier de Rosny, who achieved the feat in 1979 on Fernande.

The annual event is the brainchild of the Pure Ocean Foundation, which highlights the urgent need for ocean conservation through a range of initiatives that includes funding innovative, global, scientific research projects. Entrants are also encouraged to collect scientific data during the ocean crossing to help increase understanding of the health of our seas.

“If we don’t take action to save our oceans it’s going to be too late and Pure Ocean is trying to do something about it, which I fully support,” Valent added.

For more details on the race visit www.pure-ocean.org/.