#WorldSailor - America’s Cup winner Peter Burling has been named ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year — only the second Kiwi sailor to take the prize more than once.
The New Zealander, who previously shared the honour with compatriot Blair Tuke in 2015, was confirmed as the 2017 winner at a ceremony in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico last night (Tuesday 7 November).
But Burling was unable to be there in person, as he’s currently busy on the deck of Team Brunel off the coast of North West Africa as the Volvo Ocean Race fleet slogs it out in the trade winds on their run south towards the doldrums.
Their first big strategic hurdle looms large in the first of several climate zone transitions the fleet will have to make on the way to Cape Town.
As of Wednesday afternoon (8 November), just four nautical miles separates first-placed Vestas 11th Hour Racing from Team AkzoNobel in fourth, with Burling’s Brunel boat losing some ground another 50 miles behind in fifth.
Mark Chisnell reviews their options for the Volvo Ocean Race website HERE.
