Will’s hardest test

10:02am Wednesday 31st October 2007

ENGLAND 2003 rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood is recovering from his cross-channel buffeting by the elements.

Greenwood helped the Ocean Village-based Open 60 Artemis reach her current base in Le Havre, France, ahead of this weekend's start of the 2007 Transat Jacques Vabre.

"I am not the greatest sea fearer at the best of times," said Greenwood.

"As we got out on the Solent, it was then full on for the next eight hours - it was relentless.

"The weather conditions, the rolling seas, were like someone standing with a hose pipe about a yard in front of me and spraying me without stopping.

"It was tough, so, so tough.

"Mentally it was as tough as anything I have done, any sort of rugby session, any rugby game.

"Part of that is probably because I was such a novice and didn't know what was going one.

Constant pressure "But also, I think that even if you knew what was going on, it would just be still an incredible journey to go on."

Southampton-based pair Gringo Tourell and Jonny Malbon will be sailing in Artemis in the Transat, and the latter will also compete in the Vendee Globe around the world race next year on board the ship.

"That's just crazy," said Greenwood.

"I wish them more than the best luck. It gives me a tremendous and a great feeling to have done what I have done.

"I am not sure I will be back on the seas for a while; I'll have to recover mentally and physically but it was an amazing and I am delighted I have done it.

"Every now and again in a rugby game you are under intense pressure. In rugby, one team has the ball and then the other team has it.

"In rugby you have to put your body on the line and commit yourself physically, and it is a team effort.

"Every now and again individually you come under pressure for 30 seconds here, 30 seconds there.

"On the boat, it's just constant pressure. It's like defending on your try line consistently because every new wave is a fresh wave that hits you every five seconds. It never stops, it keeps coming, the whole time - always in your face. It's unbelievably hard."

Greenwood added: "I have only crossed the Channel but I don't think people know the level of danger these guys are facing when they change the sails."

lDon't miss Friday's Daily Echo for Will Carson's preview of the Transat Jacques Vabre.

TAKING THE WHEEL: Rugby star Will Greenwood steers Artemis through choppy seas en route to Le Havre.