Volvo Ocean Race Experience

Yesterday I was lucky enough to be invited as a guest of IWC to check out the Volvo Ocean Race. The teams are in Auckland for their stop over and the IWC sponsored Abu Dhabi team is currently leading. I didn't really know what to expect. What an experience. Once in a lifetime. If you get the opportunity, do it. The crew were awesome and the boats are unreal. What these guys and girls do racing these boats is just incredible.

As guests we spent the day/evening with the teams. We were given some pretty cool gear and got to actually race the boats around Auckland Harbour. Pretty amazing day.

Jarrod, that sounds amazing- how about some pictures?

Nelson

On there way now Nelson. My iPad has this horrible habit of losing everything I have typed when I am trying to load photos. Very frustrating so I will do a couple at a time.

It's cool to have an IWC sponsored team in town. A rare thing in this part of the world.

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We were given some pretty cool gear as guests of IWC. The jacket is really nice.

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These boats are unreal. How they sail these things around the world is just crazy.

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We actually got to join in and get a hands on chance to sail these things. Very very cool thing to do. I got to steer the boat for a small part of the race. Just awesome.

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And one of the chasing boats during our race.

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A few more pics from the day. All phone pics so not the best quality.

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I need to thank IWC for this opportunity. Hard to explain how cool it was. It's just not something you ever get the chance to do. Also thanks to my AD for the invite and to Christian and Natalia from IWC for hosting us. I'm still buzzing from the experience.

And Christian, don't forget about the Yacht Club strap! :-)

And Jarrod, what watch were you wearing?
Looks like an AT - but can't quiet make it out.

Awesome Jarrod,
Thanks for bringing us along on this exhilarating experience!

Fantastic Jarrod, what an experience - man I wish the Norwegian CEO of the race could get it to stop by Norway once:-|

Too bad your Laureus YC didn't make it on the boat, you'll love the new strap though:-)

Cheers from Norway

Jarrod,

Fantastic photo report, what a great opportunity you got. Thanks for sharing!

Kind regards, Daniel

Hi Jarrod

Actually I was expecting this report, but to read what it was all about is really awesome!
I envy you so much, lucky you! Sounds really like a great experience and you could even steer the boat. Unbelievable, I am following the race every day since they started in Alicante (nice App) and became a big fan.

Obviously I can't compete with you, but I just bought this poloshirt...;-)

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Best regards to you and Steff

Chris

Fantastic day you had there! Great photos. I would have loved to try steering one of these ridiculously overpowered "dinghies".
JK

Wow Jarrod - what an amazing experience! Thank you for sharing a great photo report. You have me so excited I had to break out the black box:

This one Mark. I thought it was most suitable. My YC currently has a alligator strap so not really suitable for yachting at the moment. I have ordered a new strap though.

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