Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) — Abu Dhabi’s team for the 2014/2015 round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race — has completed its eight-man crew with the signing of Spain’s Roberto ‘Chuny’ Bermudez de Castro Munoz.
A Volvo Ocean Race veteran, the 44-year-old has now joined the team at its Portuguese training base in Cascais.
Chuny is one of Spain’s most accomplished professional sailors, having represented his country at the Athens 2004 Olympics and raced for Spanish teams in the America’s Cup. His Volvo Ocean Race track record features podium finishes in four out of the five races he’s competed in. In the last edition, sailing alongside ADOR’s Andrew McLean aboard Camper, Chuny finished second overall.
“Chuny’s Volvo Ocean Race experience is remarkable,” said ADOR skipper Ian Walker. “As well as being one of the most sought-after professional sailors around, he’s also a thoroughly nice guy and fits perfectly into our line-up.”
Now taking on the race for a remarkable sixth time, the affable Spaniard is gunning for victory and says he joined ADOR because he believes it has what it takes to bring the coveted Volvo Ocean Race trophy to Abu Dhabi.
“I know all the crew and I have sailed with many of them before,” Chuny said. “I’ve only ever raced against Ian and have a lot of respect for him and the rest of the crew as fierce competitors. That’s how I know this is a good, strong team and one I’m proud to be a part of.
“Abu Dhabi was such a special part of the Volvo Ocean Race last time around and I have really fond memories of the time we spent there.
“The welcome from everyone in the emirate was unforgettable — so warm and hospitable — and the celebrations and events that took place around the stopover were the best of the whole race. This time I’m looking forward to seeing a bit more of Abu Dhabi, in particular to meet some of the young sailors there and to try out one of the traditional dhow boats that Adil Khalid, our Emirati crew member, has told me so much about.”
