British sailor Robert Greenhalgh will be one of the watch captains on board “MAPFRE”. The Spanish team has confirmed it today in Cape Town (South Africa), where the In Port race will be held next Saturday the 15th.
Greenhalgh is a very well-known sailor, who will sail his fourth Volvo Ocean Race. He won the race in 2005-2006 on board “ABN AMRO ONE” and was second with “Puma” in the 2008-2009 edition. Last time he competed in the race was in 2011-2012, being part of the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing crew.
“I am looking forward to the challenge. The Volvo Ocean Race in its new One-Design format looks awesome; the racing looks very close and intense. ‘MAPFRE’, although not a good Leg 1, is definitely a favourite for the race. This will be my fourth race, having finished 1st, 2nd and 5th, so I look forward to being on top again,” he has pointed out.
MAPFRE’s skipper, Spanish Iker Martínez, said, “We looked for a very, very experienced helmsman who knows these boats and sails. Rob’s track record is fantastic -with a victory in the race and a podium finish- and he is well-known for his ability as watch captain, his ability to drive very fast and he is also very strong physically.”
Greenhalgh will be racing against his sister, Libby Greenhalgh who sails on Team SCA. So how does he feel about competing against his younger sister? “Well, it’s not for the first time,” he said. “We’ve raced against each before in other forms of sailing. I’m looking forward to it.”
He added: “I know the first leg didn’t go so well for MAPFRE but it’s very early in the race. I still think we’ve got a very good opportunity to win the whole race. There’s some very strong sailors in the team.”
Rob Greenhalgh will arrive in Cape Town next Friday the 14th to join the Spanish team. He will be on-board “MAPFRE” for the practice race. The fleet departs for the second leg to Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, November 19th.
ABOUT ROB GREENHALGH
DOB: 17/08/1977
Place of Birth: Brighton, Sussex, UK
Residence: Hamble, Hampshire, UK
Position: Watch Captain
Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012. “Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing” (5th)
Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009. “Puma” (2nd)
Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006. “ABN AMRO ONE” (1st)
Team Origin. Extreme 40. Skipper in the iShares Cup Series 2007 (1st) y 2008 (2nd)
Moth Class British Champion. 2013
18″ Skiff World Champion
– Mapfre/VOR Media
