Meet the crew members of the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team before they embark on the around-the-world race:
Ian Walker, skipper, 44
Could it be third time lucky for Walker, skipper of Azzam? Many observers feel nobody has been more determined to finally win one of sailing’s biggest prizes than the two-time Olympic silver medallist.
His past two VORs, as skipper both times, have been disappointing, not least Azzam’s start in 2011/12, when its mast broke during the first night of the first leg.
There has been a quiet confidence about Walker this time, almost since it was announced that this was to be a one-design boat VOR. Because of that and his past experience in one-design races at the Olympics the odds seem to have shifted in his favour.
“It’s a much more level playing field and much more like the Olympic sailing I am used to. It’s a real test of the team itself.”
He has the most experienced crew around him and is not reluctant to make decisions based on their expertise.
Phil Harmer, trimmer and helmsman, 35
Another deeply experienced member of the crew, Harmer will be taking part in his fourth race.
Like Slattery, the Australian knows what it feels like to win a round-the-world ocean race; he was part of the French boat Groupama that won the 2011/12 edition.
His will be a crucial presence, especially for Walker, as they are watch partners. “He is a very fast helmsman, got a great feel for it,” Walker said.
“I will nearly always discuss everything with him. Why would you not with somebody who has more experience than you? You are more likely to make the right decision.”
That tribute is no surprise given the pair sailed together on Green Dragon in 2008/09, which was Walker’s first VOR and one he skippered.
Harmer is a sailmaker by trade and lives in England; he will be one of the key lieutenants on Azzam.
Adil Khalid, trimmer and helmsman, 26
Ian Walker says Khalid is the real “face” of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing’s (ADOR) boat and campaign.
He is the only Emirati on the crew, he is also the first Arab sailor to compete in the race and finish it, and he is a young role model.
He is also not as green as he was last time round when he had a gruelling introduction to the race and was generally one of Azzam’s quieter characters.
He has changed since. In February this year, Walker pointed out that Khalid returned from his break “twice the size he was last time, from gym work”.
Walker has also been keen to push him into a more senior role in the crew this time, realising both his ability and the significance of what it means for the region. This time, Khalid says, he wants “to make winning the reality”.
Justin Slattery, bowman, trimmer and helmsman, 40
A familiar face around the event and to his skipper, Walker. The Irishman is in his fifth race and, perhaps most importantly, knows what it is like to win a VOR.
He won in 2005/06 with ABN AMRO One. He has also sailed with Walker twice before, during the last race on Azzam but also in Walker’s first race, on Green Dragon in 2008/09.
That was a disappointing race in which they finished fifth out of eight teams.
Few on the crew will be as fit as him: The Irish Times once noted of him that he had “the arms of a prop and the body of a scrum-half”.
Within the team he is acknowledged as a famously hard worker, unable to let go until the job is fully done.
“He is the rock on the boat,” said Walker, “hard as nails and has an incredible work ethic.”
Daryl Wislang, pitman and bow captain, 33
The final addition to the Azzam crew is likely to prove a significant one. Wislang is, like so many teammates, a VOR veteran and this will be the New Zealander’s fourth attempt.
He was part of Camper’s runners-up campaign last time round. “He’s doing well so far,” Walker said. “He sailed with Camper last time and is a strong helmsman and our boat captain.
“So if we have any problem with the boat, if the engine doesn’t start or we have a leak, or break something, he’s the first person. He’s also a qualified sailmaker.”
He has also just had his first child, a daughter, so the timing of this race is probably less than ideal. But his wife and daughter are expected to travel to all the stopovers.
He says the friendships and camaraderie drive him, but “the real reason I’m back is the fact that I haven’t won one yet”.
Roberto Bermudez, trimmer and helmsman, 44
Sailors do not come more experienced or decorated than “Chuny” Bermudez.
He first took part in the VOR in 1993/94 and this will be his sixth campaign. The Spaniard is also an Olympian and has taken part in two America’s Cup campaigns. He finished second last time with Camper and skippered Delta Lloyd in the 2008/09 race. Walker, a leader of consensus, will know just how much that experience means.
“I have guys like Bermudez who have done five VORs before and he has skippered before. He doesn’t need me to tell him when to change a sail.”
He is four days younger than Walker and the oldest member of the crew. “It will be my sixth race and, sure I’m experienced – but I’m also getting older, and with age come good things and bad things. “The experience is positive; you know which factors matter more. On the other hand, your body is changing and you have to work harder.”
Luke Parkinson, bowman and helmsman, 24
One look at the Australian and it is easy to see why Walker joked earlier this year that Parkinson would be doing all the manual labour on Azzam.
He is a natural athlete, as evidenced by his twin loves outside of sailing; skateboarding and rugby.
He has been sailing since he was seven and was picked by Walker after he emailed him with a CV expressing his interest (with strong recommendations from within sailing circles).
The pair sailed together from Hong Kong to Vietnam, then did the Sydney-to-Hobart race and Walker was convinced.
At 24 he is the baby of the crew, but also a qualified sailmaker and a first aid and sea survival expert.
“I was very impressed with his attitude and his skills as both a bowman and offshore helmsman,” Walker said. “He is a multi-tasker, which will be essential in this race.”
Simon Fisher, navigator, 36
SiFi is back for another stint with Azzam, with a slightly tweaked role – this time he will be the team’s navigator, and not a helmsman and trimmer.
He has done the role before, on board Telefonica Blue in 2008/09. Yet another with plenty of VOR experience, this is his fourth campaign (to which can be added two America’s Cup races).
“Having worked with the team once before I believe we have a great team both on and off the water.
“We have the benefit of building on all the lessons we learnt in the last race and now we should have all the tools to compete at the highest level.”
Fisher will be a key part of the strategic side of Azzam’s race.
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