Xabi Fern\u00e1ndez was tonight confirmed as MAPFRE\u2019s skipper for Leg 8 from Lisbon to Lorient when the Spanish team revealed their crew for the 647-nautical mile stage which starts on Sunday (full story below).<\/p>\n
– Iker contests Lisbon in-port race but misses stage to Lorient<\/p>\n
– 2004 Olympic champion focuses on Rio 2016 training<\/p>\n
– Trujillo also returns to MAPFRE line-up<\/p>\n
ALICANTE, Spain, June 2 \u2013 Xabi Fern\u00e1ndez was tonight confirmed as MAPFRE\u2019s skipper for Leg 8 from Lisbon to Lorient when the Spanish team revealed their crew for the 647-nautical mile stage which starts on Sunday.<\/p>\n
Xabi will step in for his fellow 2004 Olympic gold medallist, Iker Mart\u00ednez, who is fulfilling pre-race commitments to train with the Nacra 17 class for the Rio 2016 Games.<\/p>\n
It will be the fourth time Xabi has stepped in for his long-time sailing partner after taking charge for the third, fourth and sixth legs.<\/p>\n
MAPFRE won the fourth stage from Sanya to Auckland under Xabi’s guidance.<\/p>\n
Although he will not be sailing the leg, Iker has confirmed he will be contesting the Lisbon In-Port Race.<\/p>\n
After taking a breather for the seventh leg, Rafa Trujillo (ESP) returns to the MAPFRE crew for the stage to France, expected to be completed after around three days of sailing on Wednesday, June 10.<\/p>\n
MAPFRE Leg 8 crew: Xabi Fern\u00e1ndez (ESP), Jean Luc N\u00e9lias (FRA), Rob Greenhalgh (GBR), Andr\u00e9 Fonseca (BRA), Antonio \u2018\u00d1eti\u2019 Cuervas-Mons (ESP), Carlos Hern\u00e1ndez (ESP), Willy Altadill (ESP), Rafa Trujillo (ESP). Onboard Reporter \u2013 Francisco Vignale (ARG).<\/p>\n
via Xabi back at the helm as MAPFRE skipper for Leg 8| Volvo Ocean Race 2014-2015<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Xabi Fern\u00e1ndez was tonight confirmed as MAPFRE\u2019s skipper for Leg 8 from Lisbon to Lorient when the Spanish team revealed their crew for the 647-nautical mile stage which starts on Sunday (full story below). – Iker contests Lisbon in-port race … Continue reading