Aussie Olympian Anthony Nossiter joins Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing
by Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing 15 Mar 2012 06:15 GMT
Anthony ‘Nocka’ Nossiter joins Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing © Ian Roman / Volvo Ocean Race
Former Volvo Ocean Race sailor adds expertise to demanding Southern Ocean crossing
Triple Australian Olympian, Anthony ‘Nocka’ Nossiter, will join Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing - the United Arab Emirates capital’s Volvo Ocean Race contesting outfit – from Sunday for the 6,705 nautical mile Leg 5 from Auckland, New Zealand to, Itajai, Brazil.
Taking over helm and trimming duties from Justin Ferris, Nossiter - widely regarded as one of Australia’s most accomplished Olympic and keelboat sailors – is keen to add his round-the-world sailing expertise to the outfit.
“I can’t wait to get onboard Azzam and as its name means determined, I am absolutely determined to give it my all. This is a big ask and I want to deliver. I’ve know many of the guys and they are a great bunch, it’s going to be tough but I am ready and fired up to make an immediate impact for Abu Dhabi,” said Nossiter – who comes from a rich pedigree of sailors, most notable his great grandfather, who became the first of his countrymen to sail round the world in an Australian yacht in 1937.
Having taken part in the 39,000 nautical mile global yachting odyssey in 2001/02 with Djuice Dragons - which was headed-up by now race CEO, Knut Frostad - Nossiter brings solid experience to the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Cultural Authority-backed team.
Having competed in three Olympic Games in the single handed Finn class, with his best result a sixth overall in Athens 2004, Nossiter then became a regular on the super maxi circuit, taking line honours three times in 12 editions of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race.
With his Olympic and keelboat experience it was only a matter of time before America’s Cup action called. Anthony consequently became a team member with the Italian +39 Challenge, the British Team Origin Challenge, and most recently sailing the AC45 with the Greencom team.
The Volvo Ocean Race Leg 5, which features the classic Southern Ocean high speed sleigh-ride sailing for which the event is most renowned, is the longest passage in the race and one of the most legendary, with rogue icebergs, 30 feet waves and Antarctic sub-zero temperatures a constant threat.
However before the team leaves on Sunday March 18th on a leg which takes it round South America’s legendary Cape Horn, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing is hoping to recreate its impressive in-port racing form in Auckland on Saturday, which has seen it win two out of the last four events.
For more information Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, please visit www.volvooceanraceabudhabi.com