Ross Field comments...

The News Corp co-skipper gives his thoughts on the Volvo Ocean Race

Q: Two new crewmembers from other campaigns, can you explain how that happened?

Ross Field: It's fantastic to have Matt on board, it's actually worked out perfectly for us. I've done a lot of sailing with Matt, and he sailed with me a long, long time. I certainly enjoy his company and he's a very talented sailor.

When we heard he had left SEB, I thought 'here is an opportunity', because Scotty had decided to leave us temporarily, because he's got family issues, has got a young family he wants to spend time with and I can understand this. I've sailed with Scotty for many, many years as well, so it slotted in very, very nicely. It's fantastic to have Matt onboard.

And then djuice was the other one, with Spike, and out of the blue, Spike actually just approached us and said, 'look, I'd really like to go sailing with you guys', so we decided to bring him onboard. There was a gap there, because Nick had stepped aside - Nick is on the shore side, he's working for us on the shore side. Nick is also working for Stars and Stripes, which is fantastic for us, because he can bring a lot more to our campaign.

So, those are the changes and it's actually been quite surprising. It's been an eye-opener to us, both in Auckland and here, about the approaches we had from other team members. So obviously, we must be doing something right and hopefully we will get this result right this time.

Q: I imagine, when Matt Humphries became available, if you like, that something of a race might have started for his services - a man who's been around the world. Were you particularly glad to have him aboard News Corp ?

RF: Yes, I am very happy. We didn't chase Matt, but like I said, I've sailed with him for a long, long time, so we had a conservation and I said, look, if you are considering carrying on with the race, come and speak to us. Basically, he came and spoke to us and we came to an arrangement and it's fantastic to have him here: We’re laughing and joking like in good old times. Going down memory lane.

Q: Now, looking at it from the outside, with Spike joining you from djuice , does that require a certain degree of diplomacy between the two teams to make it work?

RF: Oh yes, of course it does. Spike just made an approach to us straight out of the blue. He sailed with Thomas i-punkt for a long time as trimmer, at one world-championship as a trimmer and obviously, the guy is talented. Apparently, he is a very good helmsman. He will fit perfectly with us. There is a certain amount of diplomacy needed to work it out, but I mean (Gundy) who left us in Auckland is now with SEB and - life goes on, doesn't it?

Q: It's interesting to watch the merry-go-round from the sidelines!

RF: Yes, it's going to be interesting to see where Roy Heiner turns up! That's what the sport is all about. It's a professional sport, it's an international sport, it's no longer all New Zealanders or all Swiss or all Australians. We're international professional yachtsman now, and I'm afraid that's part of the sport these days.

Q: OK, so let's now turn to the sport, as we've talked about the politics. This fifth leg is very different from the fourth - you've got heat, you've got the Doldrums, how do you set about a leg like this?

RF: Well, obviously, weight is critical for this leg and food is critical. You have to cater for that this is a very hot leg, so our eating times are going to be different, you’re eating at cooler times of the day. And the guys' sleep is important, as they won't be able to sleep during the day, so they have to sleep at night. All those things have to be taken into consideration. But it's a fantastic leg, I love this leg. You can to get wet and dry in about five minutes. You wake up happy to get out of bed, because it's much nicer on deck than down below. Ah, it's a fantastic leg.

Q: It's interesting you say that, several of the Europeans are dreading this!

RF: Are they? They're used to the cold - strange people up there, you know. We're from the Southern Hemisphere, we like the sunshine and the warmth and that sort of stuff.

Q: Now that you've put the new team together, what would be a good result for News Corp ?

RF: First! We've got to come first. We are going to push very hard, we've done a lot of planning for this leg. We had a couple of crew changes which I believe is for the benefit of the boat. The guys are very happy, they feel very confident, we have a lot of new sails on board - so really, we must win this leg!

Q: If you do, it would put you right back in the race for the overall crown as well.

RF: Yes, it will do. And there's no reason why we shouldn't. We have absolutely no excuses at all. We must come in first, second or third boat, outside that is just not acceptable.

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