If the American Government supported sailing as the King of Spain, the only American Volvo Ocean Race entry, Team Puma would have joined the ranks of Team Telefónica and Team Ericsson in a two boat racing program. A royal blessing brings light to a sport otherwise overshadowed by those of grander media attention. However, when the King and his royal family have sailing resumes that include Olympics, Americas Cup, Grand Prix and now the Volvo Ocean Race; a Spanish entry is sure to be full of talent designed for a high court.
Royal Sailing Achievements
Nine years ago Telefónica set off in the world of sailing and since then the team's achievements have been numerous. The efforts of this team have lead to Olympic gold medals (49er in Athens 2004 and Tornado in Beijing 2008) and a silver medal; as well as twelve World titles in the cruiser classes, Olympic classes and dinghy sailing among others. As such, the Telefónica sponsorship of these boats in this global competition means they are pledging their support for this team to remain among the world’s leading sailing teams.
A Boat Full of Talent
Telefónica has entered two boat in the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race, each representing Spain, however a truly international crew.Telefónica"Blue" will have no less than three Spanish Olympic medalists onboard: Íker Martínez, Xabi Fernández (both gold-medallists at Athens 2004 and silver-medallists at the Beijing 2008 Games), and Jordi Calafat (gold-medallist at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games).
There are also highly experienced round-the-world sailors such as Spaniard Pepe Ribes, now on his third Volvo Ocean Race, as well as veterans Bouwe Bekking and Jonathan Swain, who were both part of the Spanish team for the previous edition of the race.
Sailing Medals Around The World
Telefónica "Black" includes Fernando Echávarri (European, World and Olympic champion in the Tornado class), as team skipper. Fernando sailed with Spain’s entry “movistar” in the previous Volvo Ocean Race, but this time he’ll be taking the reins of a team that, for the most part, will be sailing their first ever Volvo Ocean Race. For many this is the first time they are facing a challenge of this size, and that’s sure to attract a lot of attention and encourage young sailors everywhere to explore the world of ocean sailing.
Despite the lack of experience in this kind of race, the “Telefónica Black” team has many Olympians in its ranks: David Vera took 8th place in the Soling class at the Atlanta 1996 Games; Javier de la Plaza was 4th in the 49ers in Sydney 2000 and there’s also a double Olympic medallist: Argentina’s Santi Lange, bronze-medallist in the Tornado class en Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.
The 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race is to be one of the fiercest editions with such high level of sailing.
References:
- Media Kit provided by Telefónica
- Volvo Ocean Race Main Site
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