Javier de la Plaza

In: Santander, Spain
Status: Married, 2 daughters
Something about him that you don't know: Having sailed with Telefónica Black, a boat skippered by Bouwe Bekking in 2008-09, Javier knows Brunel’s skipper already.

He speaks: English and Spanish.

Who he is: A 49er world Champion in 2000, who also took fourth place in the 49er class at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. He recorded many victories in the eight-metre J/80 keelboat culminating in gold at the 2007 and 2010 world Championships. Last year, he was mostly active in the Melges 32 and TP52 one-design classes. The Spaniard is now replacing Dirk de Ridder in Leg 6, who himself replaced Laurent Pagès in Leg 5.

What he said: “When I was asked to sail on Telefónica Black in 2008, it was my biggest dream come true. Apart from the America’s Cup, the Volvo Ocean Race is the pinnacle of sailing. Every top sailor has to sail in it at least once in his lifetime. I’m specialised in trimming, but I still love to drive a boat. I’m going to try to achieve a good result with the team.”

Previous Volvo Ocean Race:
2008, 09, Telefónica Black