Please select your home edition
Edition
Sea Sure 2025

Volvo Ocean Race - Camper calling in the coaches

by Camper on 9 Feb 2012
CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand, skippered by Chris Nicholson from Australia finishes third on leg 3 of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 from Abu Dhabi, UAE, to Sanya, China. Ian Roman/Volvo Ocean Race http://www.volvooceanrace.com
Camper with Emirates Team New Zealand is calling in help from the team’s America’s Cup squad coaches. Camper is using all the resources at their disposal in order to challenge overall race leaders Telefónica.

Coach Rod Davis and team video analyst Joey Allan are flying to Sanya to work with Chris Nicholson’s crew on their short course racing.

Despite their second place overall and podium positions in all the point scoring races, Camper is keen to close the gap and improve their performance for that elusive win. But the team remains within touching distance of the summit, just 15 points adrift of overall leader Telefónica. And that’s why the little details matter.

Bringing a fresh pair of eyes to the team’s performances – particularly in the InPort races where 20 per cent of the points are up for grabs - will be New Zealand-based coaches Davis and Allen, who normally focus of the Emirates Team New Zealand America’s Cup squad. Allen has done multiple round-the-world races and America's Cups, and along with Davis, an Olympic gold and silver medalist, they bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, which can help Camper bridge the gap in performance.

'The purpose of them coming here is because we recognise that we’ve got weaknesses in our InPort game,' said Camper skipper Chris Nicholson on Wednesday. 'Even though we’ve been inshore racing quite well, we obviously believe we can do better. Quite often a good way of doing that is to bring in an external source. Because we’re so familiar with the Volvo boat and our style of in-port racing, it’s just good to bring in a fresh set of eyes, especially guys of their caliber and level of expertise – it’ll be great for us. Whether it happens here or further down the line, these guys will make a difference.'

Meanwhile Shore Manager Neil Cox has been assessing the condition of the boat after Leg Three – that was kinder to the boat than it was on the crew - and looking ahead to New Zealand.

'Our boat is in exceptionally good shape,' he said. 'The leg from Abu Dhabi to Sanya was pretty kind on the boat, so the work list isn't too extensive. What we're really trying to deal with now is to plan ahead for the stopover in Auckland, the time there is so compressed, so we’re trying to get as much covered here as possible so we don't have to deal with it there.'

Camper is due to go back into the water on Sunday 12th February, and have its first sail the following day. The final week will be a busy time and the Spanish/New Zealand team intend to maximise every available opportunity, both on and off the water.



Camper website
Cyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTERX-Yachts X4.3Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350

Related Articles

Admiral's Cup 2025 | Welcome from Cowes
Bow Caddy Media provide an introduction and interview with Shane Guanaria from Zen Ahead of the first race, Crosbie Lorimer provides an introduction and interviews Shane Guanaria from Zen
Posted today at 11:12 pm
Aussies hunt 'Ashes on Water' win
The BONDS Flying Roos are looking to bounce back with a vengeance in Portsmouth Fresh off a bruising weekend in New York, the BONDS Flying Roos are looking to bounce back with a vengeance as they take on long time rivals Great Britain in their home waters at the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, held in Portsmouth.
Posted today at 9:27 pm
4 Ultim rocketships to contest Rolex Fastnet Race
The giant 32m long by 23m wide flying trimarans are taking part in the 100th anniversary edition While the 50ft flying catamarans competing at SailGP Portsmouth this weekend will be impressive, charging out of the opposite western end of the Solent will be giant 32m long by 23m wide flying Ultim trimarans taking part in the 100th anniversary edition.
Posted today at 6:45 pm
SailGP comes to Portsmouth!
We speak to the sailors ahead of the weekend The Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth takes place this weekend, with the 12 teams competing in F50 catamarans close to the waterfront, where a massive grandstand has been built for the spectators.
Posted today at 5:41 pm
SailGP: No practice racing at Portsmouth
The Practice Race was a fizzer, however the future of the SailGP fleet development was revealed. The scheduled Practice Day failed to fire at SailGP Portsmouth, after the forecast, admittedly light, breeze failed to male an appearance. The self propelled start marks were making a much better speed than the F50s.
Posted today at 4:14 pm
McIntyre Mini Globe Race Leg 3 Preview
The race to South Africa starts from Vuda Marina Fiji on 26th July In a world-first sailing challenge, 15 solo sailors from eight countries are navigating identical 5.8-meter (19-foot) self-built plywood yachts around the globe— The fleet has enjoyed a five week stopover in Fiji at the end of Leg 2.
Posted today at 1:26 pm
Third time Finn World No.1 for Alessandro Marega
Maintaining the top spot in the Finn World Ranking List Italy's Alessandro Marega maintains the top spot in the Finn World Ranking List for the third consecutive release. He remains World No. 1 with an 80-point lead over France's Laurent Hay.
Posted today at 1:18 pm
World Sailing Nations Cup to make grand return
After a seven-year hiatus, World Sailing has officially opened the bid process for host cities After a seven-year hiatus, the World Sailing Nations Cup, the ultimate event to crown the world's top match-racing nations, is making its much-anticipated return.
Posted today at 9:08 am
J/99s the in Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race
There will be a race within a race taking place in the 63 yacht fleet When the fleet of 63 yachts set off in the 2025 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast (NSGCYR) on 26 July, there will be a race within a race taking place.
Posted today at 6:53 am
2025 WASZP Pre-Games in Weymouth Day 2
A classic British summer's day as sailors launched beneath a blanket of grey cloud and drizzle The second day of the WASZP Pre-Games served up a classic British summer's day as sailors launched beneath a blanket of grey cloud and with a hug of fresh drizzle.
Posted today at 5:25 am