For anyone competing in the Volvo Ocean Race, it’s a thrilling, nine-month, white-knuckle ride that tests you to your physical limit as much as it does your mental capacity.
It’s often described by the sailors as a once in a lifetime opportunity, even though many of them have done it multiple times.
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Two of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing’s crew members fall into that category, and although Simon Fisher and Daryl Wislang are doing what they love, both admit it doesn’t get any easier being away from home.
Fisher, 37, and 33-year-old Wislang are both competing in their fourth VOR and both have become fathers for the first time during it.
New Zealander Wislang and wife Jess welcomed daughter Pearl into the world around 10 months ago, while Fisher and wife Maria celebrated son Alexander’s first birthday in November.
“In the first year of Pearl’s life I’ll be missing half of it. It’s pretty hard,” said Wislang.
Pearl was born during ADOR’s training, so father and daughter haven’t had much time together.
“I’m always looking forward and wondering what she’s up to, what new tricks she’s learnt and things like that,” added the Kiwi.
During the first leg from Alicante to Cape Town, Jess also celebrated her 30th birthday, but being away from his loved ones is, putting it bluntly, something he’s simply had to get used to.
“I managed to give her a call on her birthday,” he said.
“This is our fourth race together and nothing’s new apart, obviously, from Pearl. You get emails so you know what they’re up to, so it makes it (bearable).”
Wislang takes solace in the fact he’s living his dream. He said: “It’s an awesome job and I wouldn’t give it up for anything. That’s where the support of Jess and our families is huge. Without her support I couldn’t do what I’m doing.”
Huge thanks to all @ADORlog fans for all the support you give us. We couldn’t do it without you! #InAbuDhabi #goazzam pic.twitter.com/k3R2sBxRHJ
— AbuDhabiOceanRacing (@ADORlog) May 7, 2015
Azzam navigator Fisher is in the same boat as Wislang – in more ways than one.
He’s also a first-time father and has had to deal with missing son Alexander’s first birthday and his first steps.
“It is tough, it is really hard missing these milestones,” admitted the Englishman. “It also gives you something to look forward to at the end of the leg. I’m usually always looking forward to seeing my wife or a good steak, but now it’s ‘I can’t wait to see the kid’. Sailing does mean being away from home a lot but you have to tell yourself it’s a fantastic opportunity.”
