Dirk de Ridder

In: Oudewater, The Netherlands
Status:
Something about him that you don't know: Can’t beat his nickname – ‘Cheese’.

He speaks: English and Dutch.

Who he is: The experienced sailor, who has completed this race three times and won it onboard Illbruck Challenge in 2001-2, is replacing Laurent Pagès who’s injured, for Leg 5. Dirk has also competed in the Olympics - he finished fourth at Sydney 2000 alongside compatriots Roy Heiner and Peter van Niekerk - and he won the America's Cup in 2010.

What he said: "It's very sad for Laurent that he will miss this leg. I wish him all the best with his recovery. I will give it all that I’ve got in order to replace him and I would also like to achieve a good result with the team."

Previous Volvo Ocean Races:
1997-98 Merit Cup
2001-02 illbruck
2005-06 Pirates of the Caribbean