Verbraak looking for
new challenges

Navigator Wouter Verbraak is looking forward to future challenges in the wake of his firing by Team Vestas Wind, following the boat’s grounding on a reef in the St Brandon Archipelago in the Cape Town-Abu Dhabi leg of the Volvo Ocean Race in November.
“I am very sad to announce that I have been notified that I will not continue with Team Vestas Wind. I respect Chris Nicholson’s decision and wish the team the very, very best of luck with the hard work ahead of them in the Volvo Ocean Race,” Verbraak said in a statement.
After the grounding Nicholson was given the task of reviewing the incident and, in consultation with sponsors Vesta and Powerhouse, has decided to hire a new navigator.
“I would have very much wanted to help the team get back in the race again and contribute to their success in the last parts of the race,” said Verbraak. “On a personal note I am looking forward to the new sailing challenges that are coming up for me in the months ahead and want to keep sharing the passion that I have for this great sport with you all.”
The Vestas Wind boat has been salvaged and is currently being repaired in Italy. Team Vestas Wind will rejoin the race for the final two legs from Lisbon.
Last word to Verbraak: “Someone recently told me: ‘Life is not about how many breaths you take, but about the moments that take your breath away.’ I am looking forward to the new breathless moments to come. Ocean racing tends to offer many of them.”