Reflections of a Victorious Skipper

Ian Walker, skipper of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, reflects on his team’s remarkable around the world adventure, and their victory in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15…

My overwhelming feeling right now is that of relief. Relief that all the tiny decisions that I have lost sleep over for the last two years no longer matter. Relief that every member of our team will be rewarded for all their hard work and dedication and above all relief that the sacrifices made in our family lives have not been in vain. My daughters can be proud of their Daddy and Abu Dhabi can bask in the glory of their team’s victory.

In reality though every team and every sailor has won this Volvo Ocean Race – that is the beauty of the event. To sail around the world in such high performance boats remains an amazing achievement that few people will ever experience. To share the highs and lows with teammates creates experiences that will never leave you.

Despite the dramas that have unfolded every sailor will be returning home to their loved ones and every boat will return to harbour. That remains the most important thing in this race and for that reason alone everyone can celebrate in Gothenburg.

Thanks for following our adventure.

Photos by Victor Fraile (trophy) and Ian Roman (sailing).

Background: The 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race began in Alicante, Spain on Oct. 11 with the final finish on June 27 in Gothenburg, Sweden. Racing the new one design Volvo Ocean 65, seven teams will be scoring points in 9 offshore legs to determine the overall Volvo Ocean Race winner. Additionally, the teams will compete in 10 In-Port races at each stopover for a separate competition, the Volvo Ocean Race In-Port Series.