The Volvo Ocean 65s are high and dry in Lisbon as they get their final tune up before the race – but the sailors are wet to the bone in Newcastle, UK for a sea survival course. Just 27 days separate the Volvo Ocean Race crews from the start line, but first they must all pass through the Marine and Offshore Safety Training Center, just outside Newcastle, for two days of intensive first aid training, firefighting and an opportunity experience the challenges of safety at sea. We sent round-the-world racer and 2017-18 Race Reporter Conrad Colman along to give us the scoop on what goes on as the world’s best sailors go back to the classroom.
Hearty laughs and good-natured banter echoes off walls of the pool room as the crews jump into the pool in shorts and T-shirts and told to tread water. An easy task for some of the burliest sailors on the planet, all of them experienced seamen and surfers for whom the sea is their playground.
Then the waves roll through the swimming pool, drenching rain deluges from overhead spray heads. Smiles fade. Industrial fans kick in, creating a deafening roar that extinguishes any remaining glint in the swimmer’s eyes and makes it hard to breathe. Read more.
