VOR: Delta Lloyd to be Shipped to Rio

by Volvo Ocean Race media

Delta Lloyd campaign director Tom Touber has confirmed that the team will not return to the Volvo Ocean Race until the fleet reaches Rio de Janeiro.

Their boat was one of a number of casualties on leg four, suffering a cracked bow bulkhead as well as bow delamination before suspending racing and heading for shelter at Keelung Bay in north-east Taiwan.

The damage has since been deemed too severe for a quick repair and the team now hopes to get a berth on a ship tomorrow, which would see them arrive in Brazil on March 4, nearly three weeks before the fleet.

"It is a blow for all of us that we have to miss the long leg to Rio," Touber said. "The guys did so well, worked hard and showed good seamanship. Therefore it is very disappointing to be forced to give up. But the damage is repairable.

"The next leg is the one that most of the sailors were dreaming of. It's the most prestigious in the Volvo Ocean Race."

A team statement explained that no definitive plan has been set for the repairs, though it confirmed they would be made in Rio.

"In the last few days, several experts examined the damage and looked into the possibilities to get her repaired," it read. "Based on their recommendations and judgments, a final plan of action will be made. However, it is already decided that Delta Lloyd will be shipped to Rio.

"The current challenge is to manage the logistics as soon as possible, so she can leave tomorrow. Otherwise her departure will be on February 9, which is still in time. Meanwhile, Team Delta Lloyd will choose the best option to carry out the repairs."

Once the team officially notifies the Race Director of its retirement, the Delta Lloyd should be assigned two points for its 'Did Not Finish' status in leg four. That will move the team up to seventh overall, with 12 points.

Despite the setback on leg four, Touber believes Delta Lloyd can still claim a podium place at some stage in the future.

"As of Rio there are five more legs and four in-port races left," he said. "That gives us enough chances to grow, which we want to achieve. We are still aiming for a podium finish on the way to St. Petersburg. That is why we take our time to prepare profoundly and return strongly."

Volvo Ocean Race