Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 winning skipper Ian Walker of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and Team SCA’s all-female crew skipper Sam Davies have been shortlisted for the prestigious ISAF World Sailor of the Year Awards (full story below).<\/p>\n
ALICANTE, Spain, October 14 – Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 winning skipper Ian Walker of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and Team SCA’s all-female crew skipper Sam Davies have been shortlisted for the prestigious ISAF World Sailor of the Year Awards for men and women.<\/p>\n
A two-time Olympic medallist, Briton Walker finally got his hands on the Volvo Ocean Race trophy in the 12th edition, which finished on June 27 in Gothenburg, at the third attempt.<\/p>\n
“Winning the Volvo Ocean Race was not only a special moment for me but also a special moment in the sporting history of Abu Dhabi,” said Walker.<\/p>\n
“The Volvo Ocean Race is a huge mental and physical challenge and I am extremely proud to have followed in the footsteps of some of my childhood heroes like Sir Peter Blake.<\/p>\n
“Personally it took me eight years of hard work to win this race, but you cannot achieve anything without a great team of people with you. Being nominated for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award is an absolute privilege.”<\/p>\n
In the female category, Sam Davies has been nominated for her campaign as skipper of Team SCA.<\/p>\n
The first all-female crew to enter the race in over a decade, Davies and her team mates set out to inspire a new generation of women – and they certainly managed that.<\/p>\n
Indeed, they made history with a Leg 8 win into Lorient on June 11 this year, when they became the first all-female team to win a Leg of this race in 25 years.<\/p>\n
The awards will be presented on November 10 in another place with strong Volvo Ocean Race connections – Sanya, China – the city that the sailors visited in February this year at the end of Leg 3.<\/p>\n
Also nominated in the male category is Team Volvo’s world champion Finn sailor, Giles Scott.<\/p>\n
Winners are selected by various means including the ISAF member authorities and by those in attendance on the night.<\/p>\n
via Shortlisted for the big prizes| Volvo Ocean Race<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 winning skipper Ian Walker of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and Team SCA’s all-female crew skipper Sam Davies have been shortlisted for the prestigious ISAF World Sailor of the Year Awards (full story below). ALICANTE, Spain, October … Continue reading