Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing crew members have pledged to strain every sinew to emulate their Leg 1 success in the Volvo Ocean Race and enjoy a triumphant homecoming next month.
Skipper Ian Walker’s Azzam 65 yacht fought off a fierce challenge from Chinese outfit Dongfeng to come first in the seven-strong fleet race from Alicante, Spain, to Cape Town in South Africa earlier this month.
Walker and his crew enjoyed some welcome respite ahead of the in-port races in Cape Town on Saturday, but are now turning their thoughts sharply towards the start of Leg 2 to Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
In an interview with Gulf News, several of ADOR’s team spoke about the leg — which will finish in mid-December — and reflected on their thrilling Leg 1 victory.
Phil Harmer, helmsman and trimmer, said: “We’re all very proud to be representing Abu Dhabi in the race and we hope the win in Leg 1 gave the team’s fans back in the UAE something to cheer about. Leg 2 is going to be a long, tough leg and I can guarantee that no team will be trying harder than us to lead the fleet into our home port.
“I can also tell you that the sailors and their families are all looking forward immensely to spending time in Abu Dhabi during the stopover and enjoying all the attractions of the Destination Village at the Corniche breakwater. We hope to see everyone on the Corniche as we sail home — we’re excited and looking forward to it.”
Bowman Justin Slattery said that, while the Leg 1 win had buoyed him and his crewmates, they were not getting carried away.
“Winning the first leg has given us a boost for sure, but it won’t change how we approach the next leg,” he said. “We’ve had a good start but we all know there’s a very long way to go in this race.”
So can anyone other than second-place Dongfeng challenge ADOR?
Slattery replied emphatically: “No, Dongfeng are definitely not the only realistic challengers, as all six other teams are capable of winning legs and this race is likely to only be decided in the final weeks.”
Navigator Simon Fisher envisages Leg 2 being one of the toughest stages of the nine-month race due to the extreme weather conditions they are likely to encounter.
He said: “In terms of the challenges involved, it’s certain to be another extremely closely fought and tactical leg.
“With a leg of sailing under our belt, the whole fleet will be heading into Leg 2 stronger and with more experience in how to get the best from the boats. We will have some interesting weather to contend with in the Indian Ocean, strong westerly winds at the beginning of the leg, some fast sailing up through the trade winds and then ‘double doldrums’ to contend with before we get to the north-east monsoon winds that will take us north from the Equator to the Arabian Gulf.”
He went on: “Once we get to the Gulf, it’s still going to be tough — the approach to the Strait of Hormuz could potentially be in very light winds and could easily shake up the positions after many thousands of miles of sailing. The final stretch down the coast of the UAE can also be tricky and a good understanding of local winds is needed.
“All in all, as well as being one of the longest legs, it could also be one of the closest.”
So how have Walker and his crew spent their time in Cape Town? Has it been all about rest and relaxation, or have they had to hit the gym, too?
Daryl Wislang, pitman and boat captain, said: “Since arriving in Cape Town, it has been a case of handing off the job list to the shore guys so they can get to work on the boat and then trying to get in as much R&R as possible before the re-start. It is all about making sure your body has enough rest and good food to get it back to normal.
“We’ve been going to the gym most days to help the recovery process. The boat has just gone back in the water and we’re all back to work and sailing.”
Luke Parkinson, under-30 bowman and helmsman, is still on the crest of a wave after the Leg 1 success and revelling in an experience of a lifetime.
“We were stoked to come out of Leg 1 with a win,” he said. “It’s a great start, but consistency is key to an overall win. We all know we have a tough battle ahead of us for the next eight months, but the Volvo Ocean Race is about going the full distance.”
He added: “The best moment for me was when we went below 30 degrees south for the first time. Reality finally sunk in: where we were, what we were doing and what we were out to achieve. The experience you have in this race is like no other and it will stay with you for life.”
Leg 2 of the race begins on Wednesday, November 19, at 8pm UAE time. Live coverage will be streamed online at www.volvooceanrace.com.
