Two more Americans have joined the crews in the Volvo Ocean Race before the start of the third leg starting December 26. But for another, Keith Kilpatrick, it is back to the United States.
Mr. Kilpatrick will not be taking any further part in the Volvo Ocean Race for health reasons after suffering serious stomach problems on the last leg from Cape Town to Sydney, when the Australian Air Force had to drop medical supplies to him on board Amer Sports One to ensure his safety.
Master tactician Chris Larson, from Annapolis, Maryland has joined the Assa Abloy boat, as the team looks to bounce back from 5th and 6th places in the first two legs. "It is great to be here in Sydney, and actually go sailing now," he says. "I have been with this team since July, kind of behind the scenes, and now to be going sailing is quite a treat, and I am looking forward to it."
One man pleased to see Larson is fellow American, navigator Mark Rudiger. "He has got a lot of credits to his name and a lot of good results and I think he is really keen to take on the Volvo Race as his next big challenge."
And Team SEB, which bounced back so impressively on the last leg to take second place behind Illbruck, has added another American, Tony Rey, to its ranks for the trip from Australia to Auckland in New Zealand.