Volvo Ocean Race - Team SCA coach Brad Jackson's thoughts on Leg 1

by Corinna Halloran on 31 Oct 2014 Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15. Team SCA coach Brad Jackson gives his thoughts on Leg 1.

Now that Team SCA is over half way through the first leg of the Volvo Ocean Race, Team SCA Coach Brad Jackson, spends a few moments reflecting on their performance so far:

'We very much understand what the girls are trying to do and who they are competing against and if they do things well they are right up there in the mix. This leg and the race will be decided by the team that makes the least mistakes, as you will never get every decision or manoeuvre right. So yes, they have had some great moments in the race so far and they have made some mistakes that have cost miles, just as other boats have done.

'The equator crossing ceremony highlighted the experience gap that we have with other teams – only four of the sailing crew of twelve had crossed before. The girls are on a steep learning curve at this level of racing and for such extended periods. Everyday they will be learning very big lessons in many areas from boat speed and navigation to intense racing over long periods.

'For now they should keep going as hard as they are. There is still a long way to go to Cape Town and some boats will have dramas to deal with in the testing conditions ahead. Who knows what will happen? But we know that something will happen, and we need to be ready to pounce and push the other boats regardless of our position. Our goal is to keep improving during the entire race and concentrate on doing everything as well as we Team SCA website