Here are the highlights from the Leg 2 Start Skippers Press Conference which took place in Lisbon ahead of the 7,000nm marathon to Cape Town…
We are learning from the lessons we’ve received. We made some mistakes which we want to rectify. We’re confident we’ve learned lessons and can take them forwards. All teams are getting better so we just have to keep up with the rate of improvement.
– Dee Caffari, Turn the Tide on Plastic
© Jesus Renedo/Volvo Ocean Race
The first leg we’ve been hitting a lot things. We had to do 12 back downs in total. I think it’s just the luck of the draw, and hopefully in Leg 2 we’ll be better off. We’ve repaired our rudders and keel, but we have to be very honest, we’ve talked though the sail performance and how we can set up the boat better. We have very smart people but it’s a steep learning curve.
It’s a race but it’s part of the tradition and that’s a rteally nice thing as well, guys who have done the crossing teasing the ones who haven’t, so you might just see some nice coverage of Peter Burling with a Mohawk or something. We’re taking some items with us just to make sure that Neptune welcomes him properly.
– Bouwe Bekking, Team Brunel
© Jesus Renedo/Volvo Ocean Race
We had a busy week, as everyone knows. We had a hectic start, but we managed to sail a leg we were happy with. The boat speed was there and we had some great help from Witty to let us borrow Antonio Fontes. We’ve used our time to make sure we’re stronger for Leg 2 and we’re ready for it. This is why we do the race – long legs, 21, 22 days of pushing with the best guys you can imagine around you, in a race that people on the outside can only imagine and follow. I’m mega excited to sit here with my team, everyone onboard is excited and AkzoNobel is unbelievably proud.
– Simeon Tienpont, team AkzoNobel
© Jesus Renedo/Volvo Ocean Race
Steve (Hayles) was a soccer player not a rugby player so he wasn’t used to getting hit in the head, but he’s fine now and ready for the next leg. The strategy for Leg 2 changes a lot as there isn’t a waypoint, it’s going to be really interesting and I think you could see the biggest split we’ve seen for a long time in the Volvo Ocean Race.
– David Witt, Scallywag
© Jesus Renedo/Volvo Ocean Race
We had a speed problem in the first 24 hours, but we don’t know why. The Doldrums is difficult, it’s hard to know where to pass. The difference is huge now as we don’t have to go to Fernando de Noronha, I think it will be a nightmare for all the navigators when we arrive there – the start will be important.
– Charles Caudrelier, Dongfeng Race Team
© Ainhoa Sanchez/Volvo Ocean Race
We’re looking forward to leaving on Sunday. It’s the first big leg and it has a nice forecast, so hopefully we can put the foot down and start doing some miles south. Hopefully the others go the short way and we keep going west! It’s going to be busy for Joan Vila, we trust his instinct and his work and hopefully we can have a good crossing of the equator.
– Xabi Fernández, MAPFRE
© Jesus Renedo/Volvo Ocean Race
You start every leg trying to win it and Leg 2 is no different. It was a great result for our team, and testament to everyone’s hard work. It’s been a big process for us and it’s great to see that come to fruition. Leg 2 is going to be very different, I think it will be a lot more boat speed orientated. Fast sailing in the first week, and then we’ll monitor what’s going on and make our tactical decisions when we have a bit more clarity.
– Charlie Enright, Vestas 11th Hour Racing
© Jesus Renedo/Volvo Ocean Race
