Oceanracing - Volvo Ocean Race - VOR 2005/2006

Oceanracing - Volvo Ocean Race - VOR 2005/2006 - das größte Segelevent

Volvo Ocean Race - VOR 2005/2006 - Leg 7
New York - Porthmouth/UK Start 11.Mai 2006
www.volvooceanrace.org - Übersicht Leg 7

22.05.2006
ABN AMRO TWO arrives in Portsmouth

ABN AMRO TWO finally crossed the finish line in leg 7 of the Volvo Ocean Race at 1908 GMT, 2008 local time, scoring two points and finishing in sixth position. The young crew of international sailors, led by French skipper Sébastien Josse, wanted to finish the leg for Hans Horrevoets, their Dutch crew member who sadly died at sea in a tragic accidentin the early hours of Thursday May 18. The families of all the crewmembers waited at the historic dockyard of Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth and there were emotional scenes as the tired sailors were reunited with friends and loved onesafter what must have been one of the most difficult legs in the history of the race. In a show of support and compassion, the boat was welcomed by hundreds of well wishers involved in the Volvo Ocean Race, as well as the entire TEAM ABN AMRO.

Tragedy first struck the crew with the devastating loss of Dutch team mate Hans Horrevoets, after he was swept overboard in big seas and strong winds in the middle of the night. Although Sebastien Josse located Hans inextreme conditions and in an astounding piece of seamanship, they were unable to resuscitate him and had to continue on towards the UK with the body.

As preparations were underway to expedite the quick recovery of Hans from ABN AMRO TWO, the crew was suddenly at the centre of a distress call from movistar, who experienced serious keel problems and started taking on water. The crew responded immediately and changed course to go to the aid of movistar despite the exceptional circumstances. Bouwe Bekking eventually made the decision to abandon ship ahead of worsening weather, and all 10 crew members were transferred to ABN AMRO TWO. Themovistar crew was safely transferred from ABN AMRO TWOto a RIB just off the coast of Falmouth at 08h15GMT. Finally, the crew bid an emotional farewell to the teammate Hans at around 08h40 this morning when the Dutchman’s body was transferred to the Dutch Navy Frigate, HNLMS Van Galen.

After the emotion scenes at Gunwharf Quays the crew were taken to the team hotel for a debrief and to spend time with their families and friends.

There will be a press conference with TEAM ABN AMRO tomorrow, Tuesday, May 23 at 11am local time, followed by a movistar Racing Team press conference at 1200, in Gunwharf House, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth.

LEG SEVEN LEADERBOARD – SUBJECT TO RATIFICATION
Leg Position Yacht Leg Points Scoring Gate Points Total Leg Points Arrival time Elapsed Time Overall Race Points Position Overall
1 ABN1 7.0 3.5 10.5 20/05/06 23:30:42 009d 06h 30m 42s 81.0 1
2 ERIC 6.0 3 9.0 21/05/06 12:26:39 009d 19h 26m 39s 43.5 6
3 POTC 5.0 2.5 7.5 21/05/06 12:54:20 009d 19h 54m 20s 55.0 2
4 BRA1 4.0 2 6.0 21/05/06 14:30:57 009d 21h 30m 57s 48.0 4
5 AUS1 3.0 1.5 4.5 22/05/06 10:16:32 010d 17h 16m 32s 7.0 7
6 ABN2 2.0 1 3.0 22/05/06 19:08:34 011d 02h 08m 34s 45.0 5
7 MOVI 1.0 0 1.0 - DNF 48.0 3

ABN1 ABN AMRO ONE ABN2 ABN AMRO TWO BRA1 Brasil 1 AUS1 Brunel ERIC Ericsson Racing Team MOVI movistar POTC Pirates of the Caribbean

LizzieGreenPress Officer at race headquarters:
Tel: +44 1489 554 832, Mob: +44 7801 185 320 Email: lizzie.green@volvooceanrace.org mailto:lizzie.green@volvooceanrace.org Sophie Luther Press Assistant at race headquarters Mob: +44 7956 285548 email: sophie.luther@volvooceanrace.org