14.02.09
http://media.pumaoceanracing.com
PUMA lead the fleet out of China
February 14, 2009 – True to form, PUMA today led the Volvo Ocean Race
fleet out of Qingdao, China, at the start of the longest ever leg in the
history of the Volvo Ocean Race. As the fog lifted and the breeze
freshened, PUMA led Ericsson 4 and Green Dragon round a five mile course
just off the headlands of Qingdao, before heading out to sea, en route to
Rio de Janeiro, 12,300 miles away.
The team left after a spectacularly ceremonious departure, which saw the
eleven PUMA sailors parade the ‘Emperor’s Walk’ along Qingdao’s ‘Great
Wall of China’ to the beat of several hundred drummers. The Mayor of
Qingdao offered each of the team’s skipper’s gifts, while a flock of
doves, symbolizing peace, were released and flew over the crowds. Scenes
on the dock before departure were somber, as the PUMA Ocean Racing team
considered the long journey ahead.
Skipper Ken Read (USA) commented: “This leg is going to be a real
adventure, as well as a boat race. We’re looking forward to going round
the tip of Japan, down the Ring of Fire, and down to Cape Horn, and all
the other really cool things that are out there. These are all places that
we may never go for the rest of our lives.”
“It’s going to be a windy drag race out of here for the first few days, so
we’ll be concentrating on keeping the boat in one piece. I’m really
looking forward to sailing for 35 to 40 days. Though none of us have
sailed this exact course before, coming out of China and down the Pacific,
we’re fortunate enough to have guys like our navigator Capey [Andrew Cape,
AUS] who have a lot of experience sailing in the second half of this leg.
We rely on guys like Capey, a lot.”
“As I’ve said all along, we just have to be there in the end to give
ourselves an opportunity in this race. This leg is long and it will be
hard, but we just have to get there in one piece. We don’t have to win
every leg to win this race, but just give ourselves a shot. By staying on
the podium, developing our boat and our team, that’s the way to do it.”
“China has been great. The hospitality we’ve been shown by everyone we
have met here has been amazing. From the day we arrived, until leaving
today, it’s been a wonderful experience. A lot of our families aren’t
here, though my wife is, and none of us have our kids here. You see less
tears on the dock today, it’s a little easier this way, as people know
we’re going away for a long time.”
Leg five of the Volvo Ocean Race is expected to take 35 – 40 days to
complete. The Volvo Ocean Race is made up of ten legs, finishing in June
2009 in St. Petersburg, Russia. By joining the race, PUMA has entered a
new premium category and is the only Sportslifestyle company to
participate in the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09. For more information about
the race, team and the PUMA Sailing collections, please visit
www.pumaoceanracing.com
Alongside PUMA’s entry in the Volvo Ocean Race, PUMA has launched a full
range of marine clothing and apparel, from offshore sailing gear to
onshore lifestyle fashion. The PUMA Sailing Performance collection was
developed and tested by the PUMA Ocean Racing team itself, and is worn by
the team throughout the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09. The PUMA Sailing
Lifestyle collection takes inspiration from the sport.
For more information on Puma Ocean Racing, please contact:
Bridgid Murphy or Kate Fairclough - PUMA Ocean Racing
Tel: +1 978 996 5155 or +44 7827 277 517
bridgid.murphy@puma.com or kate.fairclough@puma.com
PUMA Ocean Racing Crew List, Leg Five, Qingdao – Rio de Janeiro:
Ken Read (USA) Skipper
Andrew Cape (AUS) Navigator
Rick Deppe (GBR) Media Crew Member
Sidney Gavignet (FRA) Watch Captain
Robert Greenhalgh (GBR) Watch Captain
Rob Salthouse (NZL) Trimmer/Driver
Justin Ferris (NZL) Trimmer/Driver
Erle Williams (NZL) Trimmer/Driver
Michael Müller (GER) Trimmer/Pit
Jerry Kirby (USA) Bowman
Casey Smith (AUS) Bowman
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