Gerd-Jan Poortman

In: ---
Status: In a relationship, two kids
Nickname: "Johnny"
Something about him that you don't know: Gerd-Jan did the race twice but never actually rounded Cape Horn - he once broke his back and the boat broke the second time. Third time lucky!

He speaks: Dutch and English.

Who he is: Gerd-Jan first joined the race when he was recruited by the young ABN AMRO TWO team in 2005-06. And even though he sailed as a bowman again for Delta Lloyd in 2008-09, he has yet to make it around Cape Horn. An Extreme 40 trimmer, the Dutch athlete has sailed dinghies since the age of seven and coached at Olympic level. 

What he said: “We’ve been working on this for a year so it was very exciting. I also needed some quietness to take in what the next two years will bring us – a lot of hard work and a lot of excitement."

Previous Volvo Ocean Races:
2008-09, Delta Lloyd, bowman
2005-06, ABN AMRO TWO, bowman

On Twitter: @GerdjanPoortman