VOR

Perspective

Hard to say it much better than this. From inside the game. Enjoy.

I have read with great interest all of the drama that has unfolded in the VOR. I know from first hand experience that there is always a race within the race. The shore crews battle to get the boats from port to port, and the camaraderie amongst the teams continues to grow. All the teams are working hard with one another to assure we are all there on Feb 4 for the inshore and head to Wellington on Feb 12. Rest assured we all want to put on a good show for the public and our sponsors. These boats are amazing to sail and if you get the chance don't miss it! If you want to come out and spectate, make sure you get on a boat that can go at least 25 knots...if it is windy it will look like you are watching a one-sided tennis match...the ball will not come back! Farr has taken an unfair bashing which is in most cases unfounded. Russell and the guys at Farr deserve a great deal of thanks from our team, as they have been a huge help in getting us to where we are today.

You may want to think about the other people involved such as the builders. They are never quick to raise their hands but they built the boat based on a set of plans. If you have never been involved in a build, they are very complex and with these particular boats they need to be spot on. Fortunately our boat is in pretty good shape thanks in part to our shore crew minus a couple of pesky rams.

For those of you who feel compelled to sit on your fat asses and continue to bash Farr and the event organizers for these wonderful boats, I suggest you go back to your little shit boxes at home and have a great time going 4 knots. This is where the sport is headed and we should embrace this. Even a stalwart like Grant Dalton, who has lapped the planet 7 times, is kicking himself for not being a part of this. Come sail with us Dalts, you will fucking love it!!! I know there is a great deal of emotion that we all go through when we read about all the different problems these boats are experiencing,some with great humor and others with sadness. Boats and people will break regardless of the mode of transport and I salute Volvo for having the balls to try something new. Wait until next time...generation two will scare the hell out of most of you. 600 miles in 24 hrs! (It's a mono hull).

All the best to your readers,

Seppo from Movistar

02/03/06 Top

Fall Guy

Last week we ran a VOR commentary (see above) from "Seppo" one of the shore crew from moviestar. The piece sparked some controversy in our VOR forum, but that is probably nothing compared to what the response will be to this:

Due to reaction from their "sponsor movistar (the language he used), Volvo and our insurance company," moviestar has relieved Will van Cleef "Seppo" from his position as shore rigger on their team.

Wow. Not only does that seem like an unbelievably harsh reaction, but we also feel bad that had we not printed it, Seppo would still have a job. Perhaps a slap on the wrist might have been a bit more appropriate than firing the bloke? Post your comments here.

02/06/06