Anthony Merrington is stepping down due to a back injury he sustained on Leg 4. After an assessment of the injury, doctors have instructed Merrington to miss the next leg in order to make a full recovery for the rest of the race. Ian Moore is returning home to the UK after confirming the happy news that his wife Emily is expecting their second child, “It was a very hard decision to make, but I am overjoyed at the news from home, and it is important that I am there at this time. I am sure it will be a challenging leg and I wish the boys every success for the trip ahead. Wouter has a huge amount of experience under his belt and I am sure he will enjoy his time onboard”. Everyone on the team would like to congratulate Ian, Emily and their daughter Matilda, and send them our very best wishes on this announcement.
Wouter Verbraak (NED)
Wouter has a wealth of experience in both inshore and offshore racing. He has sailed in the America’s Cup, the Volvo Ocean Race, the Oryx Quest non-stop around the world race, most of the ocean classics and the Tour de France à la Voile, all as navigator. He is a qualified meteorologist and an accomplished sailor. He holds an outstanding track record in weather routing, advising sailors on strategy and weather in the Volvo Ocean Race, the Vendée Globe, Route du Rhum, the Transat Jaques Vabres and the Olympics.
For Wouter this is his second Volvo Ocean Race; previously he was navigator for Djuice Dragons in 2001/02, and most recently onboard Team Russia for the first three legs of the current edition of the race. “It is going to be a monster leg from China to Rio, but at the same time it will be a great challenge both in outright sailing and strategic opportunities. I am looking forward to joining Ian Walker and the team onboard Green Dragon. They are a great crew with an exceptional mix of sailing talent and experience. I have sailed with a good number of the crew in other races, and know the guys well. I am looking forward to the challenge ahead,” Wouter Verbraak.
Volvo Ocean Race
Team Russia – 2008/09
Djuice Dragons - 2001/02
America’s Cup
K-Challenge in the 32nd America’s Cup.
Chris Main (NZL)
Chris has over 15 years professional sailing experience, he is a respected helmsman and tactician and brings a range of experience with him from two America’s Cup campaigns, the TP52 circuit and most recently onboard JPMorgan Asset Management Extreme 40 with Shirley Robertson for the IShares Cup. He was prominent in the after-guard as tune-up helmsman and tactician for Japan’s Nippon Challenge, and then as a grinder onboard Britain’s Team GBR Challenge during the 2001 America’s Cup.
America’s Cup
1998 - Nippon Challenge
2001 - GBR Challenge
Green Dragon Crew List Leg 5
IAN WALKER (GBR)
WOUTER VERBRAAK (NED)
GUO CHUAN (CHN)
NEAL McDONALD (GBR)
DAMIAN FOXALL (IRL)
TOM BRAIDWOOD (AUS)
PHIL HARMER (AUS)
ANDREW MCLEAN (NZL)
CHRIS MAIN (NZL)
JUSTIN SLATTERY (IRL)
FREDDIE SHANKS (GBR)
