Volvo Ocean Race | Rivals in race mode for classic offshore test

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and Team SCA are back in racing mode after taking the start in the Fastnet Race this Sunday in Cowes. We'll be following their progress as the future Volvo Ocean Race rivals step up their training in this offshore classic.

Photo Rick Tomlinson/Team SCA

Both teams made a clear start at 1350 local time in the IRC Z and CK class of the Rolex Fastnet Race, with both teams in Volvo Open 70s – Abu Dhabi on board Azzam and SCA using the repurposed Mar Mostro, also from the last edition.

The first monohulls are expected to finish the 608-nautical mile race along the English coast, around Fastnet Rock and back to Plymouth on Tuesday.

“We have over a year before the Volvo Ocean Race start... so you need to be realistic about the end goals,” said Ian Walker, Abu Dhabi's British skipper. His team broke the monohull race record in 2011 but he is not expecting more heroics at this stage of the cycle.

Along with confirmed crewmember Adil Khalid, Walker is mainly focused on trying out Under-30s candidates for the next round-the-world race, starting on 4 October 2014 in Alicante, Spain.

“For us, it’s all about giving some young sailors a chance; it’s about Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing returning to competitive action and us taking some big steps in selecting a race-winning outfit,” said the double Olympic silver medallist.

With five confirmed crewmembers on board but also four candidates and three male coaches, Team SCA, who will be the first all-female team in the Volvo Ocean Race in over a decade when they take part in 2014-15, are also more concerned with their long-term training goals than any thoughts of victory.

“It's great to have such a classic race as part of the learning process of the team,” said the Dutch candidate Klaartje Zuiderbaan. “Above all it will be nice to race.”

With 347 boats in total, the Fastnet yachts are sailing along the English coast in 10 to 15 knots of westerly wind. Then it should be a full beat across the Celtic Sea to the Fastnet Rock and a dead run back, with a broad reach on to the finish in Plymouth in lighter breeze.

We will call our teams while at sea and bring you the latest news on volvooceanrace.com. Check back here for updates over the next couple of days!
Team SCA - Crew for the Fastnet Race 2013:
Annemieke Bes NED
Carolijn Brouwer NED
Sophie Ciszek AUS
Sam Davies GBR - Navigator
Brad Jackson NZL - Coach
Sarah Lihan USA
Annie Lush GBR
Justine Mettraux SUI
Pepe Ribes ESP - Coach
Joca Signorini BRA - Coach
Liz Wardley AUS - Boat Captain
Klaartje Zuiderbaan NED

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing - Crew for the Fastnet Race 2013:



Ian Walker GBR – Skipper
Simon Fisher GBR – Navigator
Adil Khalid UAE - Trimmer / helmsman
Nick Dana USA – Bowman
Jeremy Elliott GBR – Trimmer
Phil Harmer AUS – Trimmer / driver
Tony Mutter NZL – Watchleader / helmsman
Cameron Dunn NZL – Watchleader / helmsman
Tom Johnson AUS – trimmer / driver
Jeremy Wilmot AUS – Trimmer / driver
Phillip Carlson SWE – Trimmer / driver
Jack Boutell GBR/NZL - Trimmer / driver
Guy Barron GBR - pitman – ADOR shore manager
Cameron Dueck CAN - Onboard reporter