Two new old faces

Victory Challenge bring on board two ex-ABN AMRO One crew

They both have previous experience of the America’s Cup.Additionally, they won the most recent Volvo Ocean Race aboard ABN AMRO One. New Zealanders, David Endean, 27, and Tony Mutter, 37, have joined Victory Challenge's sailing team as the Swedes begin their two-boat training.
 
“They both have a lot of experience, both from the America’s Cup and a number of round-the-world races, where winning the last Volvo Ocean Race is a real triumph. Also, they both have important specialist skills for our continuing development work, David as boat builder and Tony as sailmaker,” says Magnus Holmberg, skipper and helmsman.
 
David Endean was the youngest sailor on board ABN AMRO One but that doesn’t mean that he lacks experience. That was his second round-the-world race. He sailed with Team Tyco during the 2001-2002 Volvo Ocean Race and he was also part of the American One World Challenge during the last America’s Cup in Auckland. His position in Victory Challenge will be as pitman
 
Tony Mutter did his third round-the-world race when he won with ABN AMRO One. Prior to this he sailed with Swedish Match and then with SEB in 2000-2001. He was a member of the American America’s Cup team Abracadabra, during the America’s Cup in Auckland in 1999-2000. Previously Mutter was New Zealand champion in the OK Dinghy in 1989, 1991 and 2000. He was also part of Victory Challenge in Auckland, when he stepped in as trimmer in 2002 when Lars Linger was injured. Again it is as trimmer he has now joined.
 
The new appointment brings the number of ex-ABN AMRO sailors up to five with Victory Challenge, the other three being Simon Fisher, Andrew Lewis and Luke Molloy, who all sailed aboard ABN AMRO Two.
 
They are all part of the recruitment of new sailors ahead of the two-boat training that will soon begin for Victory Challenge, the next phase for the team.

Victory Challenge’s main partners for the 32nd America’s Cup are Tele2, MTG and Red Bull. Metro, Viasat and Bet24 are media partners. Sail Racing, LIROS Yacht Ropes, Sebago and OM Pimespo Ibercarretillas are official suppliers.