Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing skipper Ian Walker says he is not feeling the pressure as the fourth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race gets underway on Sunday.
Walker says the goals remain the same for ADOR, to claim a podium finish on leg four, from Sanya to Auckland. Walker and his crew sit in second place in the overall standings, a point behind outright leaders Dongfeng Race Team, after three top three finishes so far in the nine month ocean epic.
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They won the opening leg from Alicante to Cape Town, were third coming into their home port of Abu Dhabi and claimed second behind Dongfeng on leg three.
Walker is a preacher of consistency and says ADOR are “right where we need to be” in the race. “The goal remains the same, get into the top three on every leg,” said Walker.
“If we can do that then we’ll put ourselves in a good position later on in the race. So far it’s working and hopefully we’ll do the same again.”
The 44 year old says he is feeling no pressure, claiming he would be if his team were not performing.
“We’re doing well so there’s less pressure,” he said. “I think there’s more pressure if you’re not doing well and things aren’t going your way and you’re desperate for results. “We need to keep doing the same things, keep learning. For sure we’d like to beat our nearest rivals but I think at this stage that’s not too important. I think it’s just important to get some results in.”
Walker says the Auckland leg is less eventful than the others thus far, with the expected initial windy exit from the South China Sea then giving way to the doldrums. “It’s upwind to start with, which will be a challenge but to be honest we’re looking forward to it,” said Walker.
2nd for @adorlog in thrilling Sanya In-Port Race in China today. Congrats to winner @DongfengRacing #InAbuDhabi #vor pic.twitter.com/KKiAQ2DdYq
— AbuDhabiOceanRacing (@ADORlog) February 7, 2015
“We’ve had such little wind for most of the race so far. There’s the Doldrums, a big area of light wind as we head from the northern to the southern hemisphere, and also it’s tropical cyclone season in the southern hemisphere.
“It’s too early to assess the risk, to say if there’ll be any problems. It’s 6,000 miles so it’ll be a test, there’ll be plenty of challenges, not least trying to beat everyone else.”
Despite Dongfeng edging into a one point lead with the leg three win, Walker admits he is satisfied with his team’s efforts.
Walker said: “We’re right where we want to be. At this stage we just need to try and avoid any disasters as best you can.”
