Green Dragon Team
Watch the Green Dragon in action here.
After an incredible seven months build time, the Green Dragon Volvo 70 headed out of the door of McConaghy's Chinese factory in early May. With a hull breaking load well in excess of 300 tons, this project reflects McConaghy's extensive understanding of composite structure and secondary bonding, plus an extreme commitment to weight minimization through precise paint application. The boat is built to within a couple of mm of max length and beam allowed in the Volvo rule, and having completed their 2,000 race qualifier in the stormy North Atlantic, Ian Walker and is Green Dragon Team are all set for the October 11th start onboard Reichel/ Pugh's first foray into the Volvo Ocean race.
Interview with Volvo 70 skipper Ian Walker in Alicante, Spain.
McConaghy: The journey so far?
Ian Walker: It is incredible we have only had the boat in our hands for three months, and it is always a concern not to be burning guys out prior to the start with the job list we had. The high point would have to be the 2000 mile qualifier. A lot of breeze and a lot of downwind sailing way up at 60 Degrees North near Iceland. It was a BIG thing to get through those conditions without any major problems onboard - any major problem on that trip could have set the project back, or possibly terminated it.
McConaghy: What else did you want to tick off on the qualifier?
Ian: Beyond sailing the distance required, we just wanted to push the boat, literally drive the boat as hard as we could. To drive it like you stole it - and check downwind sails, and of course push ourselves.
McConaghy: Interesting moments?
Ian: I definitely remember one night. I came up on deck and it was pitch black, the wind was up over 30 knots and we were thumping along. It was so dark I couldn't see what sails we had up. The deck was awash and I remember thing, Oh my God! This is the most un-seamanlike thing I have ever done! But it is amazing how quickly you get used to it.
McConaghy: Reflections on the boats construction?
Ian: It is built to the Volvo rule, and we are very happy with the job you did. It is a pretty light and very strong boat. What was vital for us was to work with a company that could build the Green Team Volvo 70 on time and without any problems. Mark Evans and his team did this, producing the boat for us in seven months, and we know just how much effort was involved.
McConaghy: Two strong watch captains Neal McDonald and Damian Foxall.
Ian: They both bring so much to the team. Make no mistake these blokes run the boat. Neal brings his engineering background and his enthusiasm, and he is just good fun! He loves sailing and that is infectious on all the team - plus he pushes the boat hard. Damian brings drive, determination and the sheer will to win, and the will to do things right - a guy who expects very high standards. These are the guys I trust to look after the boat and to drive it hard.
McConaghy: The most challenging leg?
Ian: I think the leg of the race I fear the most is from Singapore to Qingdao. Nobody likes to sail these boats upwind, and it will be getting colder by the day.
McConaghy: Between Cape Town and Rio there are many opportunities to park and despite all your efforts watch other boats sail away. How do you deal with that?
Ian: As a skipper you have to make sure you don't let your own frustration seep down to the crew. I have to lead by example, and of course sometimes the dice roll your way, so take the bad with the good. You can only work hard, do your best and never let your head go down. That is a personal trait of mine, I never give up whatever the situation. If someone tells me I can't do something I belligerently get on and do it, and lead by example. Some of the crew will be disappointed in those sort of situations, and if they weren't disappointed I probably wouldn't want them onboard.
McConaghy: Have you managed to "Bulk up" for the race?
Ian: I did manage to put on 5 kgs but lost that on the qualifier. I am so used to losing weight for my dinghy racing that putting it on was novel. With the work you are doing on these boats, weight loss is a problem and I would say it will be a big one for me personally.
McConaghy: Hardest part of the race?
Ian: Raising the money...
McConaghy: Easiest part?
Ian. When the boat is ripping along and you see everyone relaxing a bit after the huge effort to get here.
McConaghy: Best bit?
Ian: That would be winning a leg, and of course it is the privilege to sail with these guys and the shore team, that's the best part.
McConaghy: Thanks Ian and good luck with the race!
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