Despite serious injuries and technical malfunctions, the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) crew still managed to blow a race record out of the water recently.
The Azzam Vo65 yacht triumphed at the Britain and Ireland Race (RBIR) on Friday 15th August, after completing the 1,800-mile course in record time. But Skipper Ian Walker and his team faced plenty of challenges along the way, as bowman Justin Slattery sustained an injury to his ribs while trimmer Phil Harmer is suspected to have suffered a broken hand.
“This has probably been harder on the crew than a leg of the Volvo Ocean Race,” said Walker at the finish. “With so many headlands, sandbanks and other navigational hazards, there wasn’t a moment to relax, especially as all the teams were pushing each other so hard.”
A hydraulic leak and a malfunctioning water-maker also tested the crew’s engineering and maintenance skills.
ADOR now hold the monohull record for the RBIR, finishing one day, eight hours, 16 minutes and 27 seconds faster than the previous record. Other records at the helm include the Fastnet monohull record from 2012, and the Rolex Fastnet Race monohull record from 2011.
Yet Walker remains focused on the Volvo Ocean Race, which starts in Spain this October.
He said: “While this has been a great race and a great result, our main focus will always be the Volvo Ocean Race, and our preparation will continue with that goal in mind,” added Walker.
