Rob Greenhalgh joins MAPFRE
The Brit will compete in his fifth Volvo Ocean Race after signing with the Spanish campaignBritain's Rob Greenhalgh is set to compete in his fifth Volvo Ocean Race, after joining MAPFRE's squad for the 2017-18 edition. The watch captain was previously part of the Spanish campaign in 2014-15 and is bidding to win the trophy for a second time.
Spanish team MAPFRE has announced Rob Greenhalgh as a watch captain for the 2017-18 edition.
The Brit, who returns for his fifth Volvo Ocean Race and second with MAPFRE, is the campaign's fourth confirmed sailor, following skipper Xabi Fernández, fellow watch captain Pablo Arrarte, and Ñeti Cuervas-Mons, who will be bowman and boat captain.
The quartet boast 14 races between them – experience that will be key as they bid to win Spain's first ever Volvo Ocean Race trophy.
Greenhalgh knows exactly what it takes to compete in professional sport's toughest test of a team, having won the race at his first attempt, onboard ABN Amro One in 2005-06, and finished second, fourth and fifth subsequently.
"Rob is strong, determind and doesn't compromise" – Xabi Fernández
Skipper Xabi is delighted with his new recruit: "Rob has a lot of experience. He has already won a Volvo Ocean Race, has been second in another one and has sailed with so many different people and in all types of boats.
"He is strong, determined and does not compromise. It is always good to have a sailor with the experience Rob has in an important position like watch captain."
Greenhalgh's Volvo Ocean Race career started all the way back in 2004, when Kiwi Mike Sanderson called him to offer him a position onboard ABN.
With little offshore experience, but as one of the most accomplished skiff dinghy sailors on the planet, the transition to ocean racing came easily to Greenhalgh.
"I think we have a good boat and we will have a good team" – Rob Greenhalgh
Since then, he's competed in three more Volvo Ocean Races, and an America's Cup – and he's back in the toughest race of all, desperate to get his hands on the trophy for a second time.
Everything you need to know about Rob Greenhalgh
Position: Watch captain
Age: 39
DOB: 08/17/1977
Place of Birth: Brighton, Sussex, UK
Lives in: Hamble, Hampshire, UK
Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15. MAPFRE (4th)
Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12. Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (5th)
Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09. Puma (2nd)
Volvo Ocean Race 2005-06. ABN AMRO ONE (1st)
America's Cup 2007. TEAMORIGIN
Extreme Sailing Series 2007. Basilica (1st)
Sydney - Hobart 2016 (1º)
Moth European & British champion