Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 – Skippers First Questions and Answers

by Jedda Murphy, Sail-World on 11 Oct 2014 A packed press conference at the Volvo Ocean Race centre this morning, less than 30 hours before the start of Leg 1, Alicante to Capetown

First question was to Chris Nicholson skipper of the Danish entry Team Vestas Wind

Nico what are you expectations for Leg 1 and what would be a good result for Team Vestas?

Nicholson – ‘I think looking at Leg 1 it’s going to be quite a tactical race which I think is fairly standard and we are looking that hopefully reduce our preparation deficit.

‘It’s nice for us. It’s a lot of miles and it gets us a lot of manoeuvres so it helps us improve and it is only one legs worth of points. I am hoping we can get a consistent result. On the podium would be great so that’s our goal.’

Ian (Walker skipper of Abu Dhabi) was asked ‘You have two Olympic silver medals. Would you swap them for one win in the Volvo Ocean Race?

‘That’s a bit nasty. The Olympics is pretty special to me especially the first medal which I won with John Merricks and he is no longer around. I wouldn’t want to give that up for anything in the world.

‘Certainly the Volvo Ocean Race has been the last chapter of my life and have put a lot of effort into that. The thing about the Volvo Ocean Race is you share it with a lot more people. People and a whole nation following us in the UAE. If we win the Volvo Ocean Race it will have huge meaning for us. But I am not going to answer your question.’

Sam Davies (skipper of Team SCA) - Sam how does it feel to be following in the footsteps of the great successes such as Clare Francis and Tracey Edwards?

I think why all the girls in Team SCA are here now is probably thanks to Clare Francis, Tracey Edwards and others. The first women to do some amazing things in ocean racing.

For me I was at school when Tracey was on Maiden winning the Southern Ocean leg and that inspired me massively. I think also we are all here on Team SCA following the footsteps of everybody.

In the footsteps of Ian who has done the race a couple of times and alongside some of these amazing sailors. We are using everybody who has done this race as role models as well as them.

Then the 30 year old skipper of Team Alvimedica Charlie Enright ‘Charlie, congratulations on winning the in port. What psychological affect do you think that had on the team?

‘I think a good one. We always like to do well but at the same time it doesn’t really translate to what we are about to go do. We have kept a positive attitude amongst the guys over the course of the week. We definitely are focussed. Let’s just get down and prioritise what we are actually here to go do.

Bouw Bekking Team Brunel was asked ‘The Volvo Ocean Race had a huge impact in Holland. What would it mean to be able to be able to take the trophy?

Bekking responded ‘For Holland it is a must because the last race there was not an entry. There was not a single Dutch sailor in the race and I think that all the guys here agreed that just doing huge for sailing generally your home country so if you could win it that would be a huge bonus.

‘Another thing as well I think it is fantastic that the girls are there as well.

‘A big part of the public is female, bigger than the male actually. It really good for the whole team, Carolijn Brouwer sailing with Team SCA as well. One more that sailed this time as well. Another Dutch sailor in this race is Wouter Verbraak sailing with Chris as the the navigator. Holland is represented and this is good for sailing in Holland.'

Charles Caudrelier skipper Team Dongfeng was asked ‘At the Dongfeng Press Conference the other day, Woulf, (one of the Chinese sailors) broke down in tears. There are 1.3 billion people in China. He said that he was going to carry them on an inspirational journey along with him on the Volvo Ocean Race. It’s a massive thing for them. How are they coping with the pressure?

Caudrelier responded ‘‘For sure for them it is difficult. They are very proud. For them it is very important to represent China and they have pressure and we have all had some. I am sure they will be prepared for the race. They have already proved it. I am not afraid for them.’

More Q&A to follow