#VOR - Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing are making their return in the next Volvo Ocean Race after a distinguished debut showing in 2012, with new racing director Neal McDonald at the helm.
But the Ian Walker-skippered squad are already training hard with more than a year to go - and the recent Fastnet Race served as the first proper test of their skills.
The video above details the crew's experiences racing across the Celtic Sea from Cowes to Fastnet Rock and back - and their engaging tussle with fellow VOR squad Team SCA, whose finish time just edges them ahead.
Speaking of Team SCA, the all-female team's skipper Liz Wardley shared her own thoughts during the challenging non-stop Fastnet round trip:
The VOR website has links to similar video diaries from crewmates Sophie Ciszek, Sam Davies, Carloijn Brouwer and Annie Lush.
In other recent VOR news, Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has signed a new deal as the race’s official timekeeper for 2014-15 – and will once again sponsor the prestigious IWC Schaffhausen 24-hour Speed Record Challenge.
And the new one design VOR 65 may make its first appearance on the water as a finished vessel as early as tomorrow (23 September) after a detailed seven-month build with key components produced in various parts of the world.
