(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) New Zealander Wislang (33) brings two editions worth of Volvo Ocean Race experience to the ADOR squad and finished in the top three overall on both occasions.Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) — the professional yacht racing team backed by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) to contest the Volvo Ocean Race — has completed its on board 2014/15 line-up with the appointment of Daryl Wislang as pitman and boat captain and Matt Knighton as on board reporter a Press release said. Matt Knighton joins Team Abu Dhabi. — Supplied photo
The pair came through the trial periods with flying colours and will make their first official ADOR appearances this week when the team races the Volvo Ocean 65 ‘Azzam’ in the Artemis Challenge race during the Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week on August 7.
New Zealander Wislang (33) brings two editions worth of Volvo Ocean Race experience to the ADOR squad and finished in the top three overall on both occasions. He was third with Telefónica Blue in 2008/09 second with CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand crew in 2011/12 and is hoping to complete his upward progression this race with an ADOR victory.
“I love the Volvo Ocean Race for the challenge the camaraderie and the long lasting friendships that you make with your crew mates” Wislang said. “But the real reason I’m back is the fact that I haven’t won one yet. It’s time to put that right and I’m confident the Abu Dhabi team gives me the best chance of that.”
Wislang who sailed with Simon Fisher on Telefónica Blue and Chuny Bermúdez on CAMPER said he was impressed by the ADOR crew when he trialled with them across the Atlantic from Portugal to the USA last month.
“It’s obvious as soon as you step on-board Azzam that this is a very well prepared team” he said. “They are working to a well-prepared and well-thought-out plan with solid backing from Abu Dhabi. Coming across the Atlantic we did a tremendous number of sail changes and pretty much everything went off without a hitch.”
Wislang and his wife celebrated the birth of their first child Pearl just a week ago in New Zealand. Although it was tough to leave his new daughter behind the Kiwi sailor said he was overjoyed to be joining the team and couldn’t wait to race with the team.
Meanwhile Knighton an accomplished commercial videographer and keen racing sailor with proven photography and storytelling skills earned his ADOR on board reporting role after producing great media content during back-to-back transatlantic crossings during June and July.
Based in Chicago the 30-year-old’s impressive resume includes directing the 2013 documentary Black Hawk Down: Return to Mogadishu shot in a Somalian war zone.
“This is an unparalleled opportunity” said Matt. “It’s not a challenge to be taken lightly or for granted. To be on a team where almost everyone has done at least three Volvo Ocean races is humbling.”
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.