Going Dutch Keeps Hopes Afloat For Australian Yacht

The Age

Wednesday January 25, 2006

By LORNA EDWARDS

THE only Australian entrant in the round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race arrived in Melbourne yesterday morning with fresh hope of overcoming the financial obstacles that threatened to sink its chances.

The yacht has struggled due to a lack of sponsorship. After sailing into home port after the second of nine legs in the 31,250-nautical-mile race, skipper Grant Wharington announced that the yacht's Dutch sponsor, Brunel, would keep hopes afloat.

With details of the deal to be announced today, Wharington said the yacht, ING Real Estate Brunel, would finish the race but he was unsure whether it would compete in all stages. "Whether we can do everything in between just remains to be seen," he said. "The most important thing is to make sure we are in the best position to do most legs we can in the best condition we can."

A crowd of 300 greeted the crew at the Docklands yesterday after its 21-day sail from Cape Town, South Africa.

While docked, the yacht will undergo what Wharington describes as "cosmetic" repairs before the fleet sets sail for Wellington, New Zealand, on February 12.

Another Melburnian from the crew, Barney Walker, said it was disappointing to arrive fifth after being within 100 miles of the leader, Dutch yacht ABN Amro I, on day four of the race.

The Australian yacht missed a vital weather system and was left languishing by 1000 miles only three days later.

"As far as being a competitive yachtsman, the toughest part for me was sailing at the back of the fleet and not having a chance to catch up," Walker said.

The toughest part of the treacherous event was the mental challenge to stay motivated and the extreme physical toll.

"We have to eat freeze-dried food, there's severe sleep deprivation, most things are wet on board, it's so cold and all your muscles are always sore," Walker said. "But (the thrill) is a bit like climbing Everest and ultimately you are in an ocean that not many people get to see."

Five boats finished the Cape Town to Melbourne leg, while two retired for repairs. All seven will race in Port Phillip Bay on February 4.

© 2006 The Age

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