Helly Hansen

We're working to build a position of strength," says assistant shore manager, Anthony "Spillers" Spillebeen. "We have a strong international presence and more of the Nordic crew will arrive later." In terms of apportioning sailing time, there is a strict rotation to ensure that each crew member has plenty of opportunity to learn the boat and show his abilities on the water. "There's lots of experience in this group, which comes to good use as they know how to hatch good ideas and test theories of what works best." For the present, the team will train more locally to test gear and learn the boat and their duties inside and out. Later, when the new boats have arrived and are working well, the scenario will shift to more distance sailing. This will include seeking out more extreme conditions and wind strengths during extended ocean passages. In the meantime, the synergy of superb preparations and support at the base combined with the great local wind conditions will allow the team to train very efficiently throughout the winter. "And no one is complaining about the weather," says Spillers.