2014 - 15 Volvo Ocean Race - The thinking trio

by Agathe Armand on 15 Nov 2014 Three Volvo Ocean Race navigators discussing each other’s strategy. Three brains reviewing options and tactics.

Today Will Oxley of Team Alvimedica, Pascal Bidégorry of Dongfeng Race Team and Simon Fisher of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing talk to B&G, debating the best Leg 1 strategy and the legitimate winner of the B&G Navigators’ Prize.

'In my opinion Dongfeng pulled off the most successful move during the leg,' says Will. 'On October 29, they sailed faster and higher than others and pushed harder east into the South Atlantic high-pressure system.'

The said Pascal sees things differently.

'I think Team Vestas Wind’s navigator Wouter Verbraak was probably smartest on Leg 1, for his choices along Brazil. Going to get more pressure was a smart decision.'

And Simon struggles to pick one single person...

'I find it hard to pin the whole leg on one decisive decision. For me, you have to credit the guys who either consistently stayed at the front of the pack or did a good job of using the opportunities when the fleet compressed to get back in Volvo Ocean Race