Iker Martinez gives a thumbs-up after winning the in-port race day in Boston. Image copyright Dave Kneale/Volvo Ocean Race.
by Riath Al-Samarrai
Telefonica Blue helmsman Simon Fisher has confirmed he will miss the leg seven race across the Atlantic in order to "recuperate" ahead of the final stages of the event.
The Englishman has sailed all six legs and five in-port races up until this point, initially as navigator and then above deck.
But, having noted the "renewed energy and motivation" enjoyed by Iker Martinez after the Spaniard's break during leg six, Fisher was keen to follow suit.
"It has been a long time since I have had the opportunity to take a decent break," said Fisher, who is replaced by Martinez. "After seeing Iker's renewed energy and motivation here in Boston, there is no doubt in my mind that it makes a lot of sense for me to do the same."
Fisher, 31, will rejoin the crew in Galway ahead of the in-port race on May 30.
"It will be good to take this opportunity to recuperate, as I am sure the final stages of this race are going to be very busy, very intense and critical to our final placing in the Volvo Ocean Race," he said.
"I am looking forward to coming back in Galway feeling fresh, rested and ready to go again," he said. "I'll be following the next leg closely, with Iker back on board they will be fielding a strong team for the big downwind conditions we are expecting in the north Atlantic."
Skipper Bouwe Bekking added: "Simon is fundamental to the team and I hope that this well-earned break means he'll be back to 100% for the tough final stages ahead."
Martinez helmed the team to victory in last weekend's in-port race and is excited by his return to the offshore crew.
"I've tried to regain strength for this last part of the competition," he said. "I feel good now, so I think it's been a great idea and I'm really looking forward to being back on the boat for this oceanic leg.
"It's been an active rest because you don't get a rest from everything. You are so involved with the team that you do all you can to help them with other things aside from the sailing, to help the team to push further ahead."
The syndicate has also confirmed that Mike Pammenter has sufficiently recovered from an ankle injury and will resume his role onboard Telefonica Black.
The bowman was evacuated from the boat just hours into leg six after his foot became entangled in the genoa sheet, which then launched him into the mast. It was initially feared he had fractured his ankle, but test results showed it was a hematoma and after resting for a month he proved his fitness in a training sail yesterday.
Elsewhere, Shannon Falcone will remain onboard PUMA for leg seven. The Antiguan was originally due to stand aside for Jerry Kirby's return, but the American veteran will now miss the leg for personal reasons.
Volvo Ocean Race
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