Volvo Ocean Race- Overall winner Ian Walker reflects on a great win

by Abu Dhabi OR on 22 Jun 2015 On his final night at sea in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15, victorious ADOR skipper Ian Walker reflects on his team's remarkable around the world adventure:

'It seems slightly surreal that tonight is the last night at sea in the 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race.

'I have just eaten my last freeze dried meal for a while and will soon jump in my bunk for the last time to grab some sleep before what will be a busy finish tomorrow.

'The last leg from The Hague has gone well. Life has been relaxed on board and we have enjoyed some very easy sailing conditions. It helps that Si Fi has put Azzam in the right place and we have nearly jumped into the battle for second, third and fourth.

'We can see Dongfeng, Brunel and MAPFRE fighting it out a few miles in front of us but have the satisfaction of knowing that we don’t need to be part of the battle. No matter how the leg placings end up in this leg we will soon be crowned champions of the 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race.

'My overwhelming feeling right now is that of relief. Relief that all the tiny decisions that I have lost sleep over for the last two years no longer matter. Relief that every member of our team will be rewarded for all their hard work and dedication and above all relief that the sacrifices made in our family lives have not been in vain.

My daughters can be proud of their Daddy and Abu Dhabi can bask in the glory of their team’s victory.

'In reality though every team and every sailor has won this Volvo Ocean Race – that is the beauty of the event. To sail around the world in such high performance boats remains an amazing achievement that few people will ever experience. To share the highs and lows with teammates creates experiences that will never leave you.

'Despite the dramas that have unfolded every sailor will be returning home to their loved ones and every boat will return to harbour. That remains the most important thing in this race and for that reason alone everyone can celebrate in Gothenburg.

'Thanks for following our adventure.'

Ian