Walker part of "most successful" VOR race of all time (From Daily Echo)

Walker part of "most successful" VOR race of all time

8:38am Friday 13th July 2012 in Sport

SOUTHAMPTON’S former Olympian Ian Walker has taken part in the “most successful” Volvo Ocean Race of all time.

Walker skippered Abu Dhabi racing to fifth place in the 2012/13 VOR, which finished recently in Galway, Ireland.

The 11th edition of the race around the world, a thrilling battle won by the debut-making French team Groupama, took place against a challenging set of circumstances.

Yet record revenues from the previous race meant organisers could continue investing.

CEO Knut Frostad said feedback from teams, stakeholders and the public had been excellent, while the future of the race was secure thanks to owners Volvo Car Corporation and Volvo Group.

“The Volvo Ocean Race has never been in better shape,” said Frostad, who competed in the race four times before taking over as CEO before the 2008-09 edition.

“Despite the tough economic climate globally, the threat of piracy in the Indian Ocean and more damage to the boats than we would have liked, we delivered the most successful race in our history.”

For full story see today's Daily Echo.