Wouter Verbraak off Team Vestas Wind

Navigator on stricken VO65 gets his marching orders

Nothing like getting the support of your team in difficult times...

Wouter Verbraak, navigator on Team Vestas Wind, which of course run into a remote reef mid-Indian Ocean on leg 2 of the Volvo Ocean Race, has been asked by the team to stand down when they make their return to the race in Lisbon prior to the start of leg 8 in early June.

Verbraak writes: "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
I would have very much wanted wanted to help the team get back in the race again and contribute to their success in the last parts of the race.

"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.

"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.

"Thank you all very much for your support,

"Wouter"