Ocean’s seven

Over nine months and nearly 40,000 miles, seven teams will face storms, cyclones, icebergs, whales and worse in an attempt to complete the Volvo Ocean Race, writes Yvonne Gordon

The Magazine’s Yvonne Gordon at the helm of Azzam, one of the 65-footers taking part in this year’s gruelling Volvo Ocean Race

‘Welcome to Azzam, our new Volvo 65,” says skipper Ian Walker, as he leans casually against the wheel of the 65-foot Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing boat, wearing shorts, a T-shirt and shades. “It’s about 20 miles to Cowes and the breeze is about 10-15 knots.”

It’s a warm day and the sun is ...