Australian signs on with Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing

Walker impressed with Parkinson after sailing to Vietnam

Luke Parkinson, right, was selected by Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing skipper Ian Walker after coming highly recommended and proving his mettle in testing races. Courtesy Rupert Townsend

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) has recruited Australian sailor Luke Parkinson to its crew as the team prepares for second tilt at the Volvo Ocean Race.

Parkinson, who turns 24 in February, is a member of the Australia Sailing Development Squad and of the Western Australian Institute of Sport for sailing.

He will be one of ADOR’s under-30 crew members and was selected by skipper Ian Walker, after coming highly recommended within sailing circles and passing a series of testing race trials.

“I sailed with Luke on this year’s recent Hong Kong to Vietnam race in very testing conditions,” Walker said. “I was very impressed with his attitude and his skills as both a bowman and offshore helmsman. He is a multitasker, which will be essential in the next race sailing the new Volvo Ocean 65 and with only nine crew members in total.

“Everything is going to be harder on deck in the next race. I have a very good feeling about Luke, who I believe is hugely committed to producing his best for the team.”

The Australian is qualified in sail making, first aid, sea survival and as a radio operator.

“I can’t remember being this excited going into a new year,” Parkinson said. “To race in the Volvo Ocean Race, for me, is the challenge I want to work hardest toward. To me, doing the race is the biggest all-round challenge that provides the best sense of achievement and enjoyment.

“For as long as I can remember, I‘ve had a passion for sailing. From racing as a young child, I decided to continue to base my lifestyle around trying to make the best go at it that I can. I love the different challenges sailing brings to people and I believe it brings out true personalities when life is at its toughest.”

Life will certainly be tough for Parkinson as he tackles the nine-month around-the-world race on board ADOR’s sailing yacht Azzam, with a multinational crew who sleep in four-hour bursts to fit in with a taxing watch rota.

Luke will team up this month with Walker as the two crew with Australian sailor Syd Fischer, 85, aboard his 100-foot Ragamuffin for the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race. Ragamuffin clinched the trophy two years ago.

Fischer and Ragamuffin have represented Australia six times in the international Admiral’s Cup regatta. The race starts on December 26 and Walker sees it as a good test for the Volvo Ocean Race.

“It’ll be great experience for Luke and good offshore training for me, too,” Walker said. “There will be tough competition in the 100-footers. It will be another excellent training exercise toward our long-term goals. We’re in for a white knuckle ride but will give our best.”

Next up for Parkinson will be a February trip to Abu Dhabi – which will host the Volvo Ocean Race fleet over Christmas 2014 and New Year 2015 – to get to know his crew mates and the destination he will now represent.

The 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race begins in Alicante, Spain, in October, with stops in Recife, Brazil; Abu Dhabi; Sanya, China; Auckland; Itajai, Brazil; Newport, Rhode Island; Lisbon; Lorient, France; and Gothenburg.