New skipper for Delta Lloyd

Volvo Ocean Race veteran to take over from Ger O'Rourke for leg two

Team Delta Lloyd (NED) CEO and Leg 1 Skipper Ger O´Rourke has announced their new skipper for the second leg to Kochi, India. Three times Volvo Ocean Race veteran Roberto Bérmudez de Castro (ESP, 38) will take on the challenge of skippering Delta Lloyd in the Volvo Ocean Race. Alinghi sailor Peter van Niekerk (NED, 36) will strengthen the team, replacing Bert Schandevyl (BEL). Both new crew members are highly experienced professionals in match, Olympic and ocean racing. They embody the next step of Team Delta Lloyd. A third change is the addition of 23-year old Morgan White (AUS), replacing Stuart Molloy (NZL).

Despite the short time of preparation, Team Delta Lloyd showed its perseverance and dedication. All goals have been met so far. The boat was ready for the In-Port race and after the starting gun for the first leg, Delta Lloyd kept up with the fleet and proved to be still quick. Ger O’Rourke and his crew improved day by day and were seventh to cross the finish line in Cape Town, with the boat in good shape. O’Rourke: “On behalf of Team Delta Lloyd, I would like to welcome Roberto and the new crew members. The team objective is to raise performance to podium level.”

Roberto Bérmudez de Castro said: “I have followed Delta Lloyd throughout the first leg and I think they have done a nice job. For sure it’s a great opportunity for me and I have some friends on the team, as Stuart Wilson. I have done this race two times with him”, said Roberto Bérmudez de Castro. He and watch leader Wilson were team mates on board Brasil 1 in the last edition 2005-06.

Bérmudez de Castro also competed in the Whitbread Race 1993-94 with Team Galicia 93 - Pescanova and in the VOR 2001-02 aboard Assa Abloy. He was member of the Spanish Olympic Star Class Team and finished tenth at the Athens Olympics in 2004. As skipper of Caixa Galicia, Bérmudez de Castro was successful in the TP52 and IMS classes. His extensive record also includes two America’s Cup campaigns, as Bérmudez de Castro was on the Spanish team in 2000 and 1995.

Bérmudez de Castro about his debut as skipper in the Volvo Ocean Race: “I have the same illusion as the first time I took part in the Volvo Ocean Race. This is going to be my fourth participation in the race and the fact to be here with Delta Lloyd is a great opportunity. My aim and objective is to help the crew as much as possible.”

Peter van Niekerk
After his fourth place in the Soling Class at the 2000 Olympics, Peter van Niekerk signed a contract with Swiss America’s Cup syndicate Alinghi. Over the past seasons, they won the coveted Cup twice. While still being under contract, Van Niekerk campaigned again for the 2004 Olympics. He competed against Bermudez in the Star. Although this is the first time Van Niekerk will sail the Volvo Open 70, he is not a newcomer to the Volvo Ocean Race. In 1997-98 he finished the Whitbread Round the World Race, as a trimmer aboard the Brunel Sunergy.

Morgan White gained professional experience in classes as TP52, Farr 40s and Ger O’Rourke’s Chieftain campaigns.

In addition to title sponsor Delta Lloyd, the Dutch/Irish syndicate is also supported by Chieftain Group, Tommy Hilfiger, OHRA Verzekeringen, Port of Rotterdam, Discovery Channel, Weather News and Hemels van der Hart.