Many have been waiting for this decision: Ten days after the fatal accident of his crew member and best friend John Fisher, skipper David Witt has returned via Facebook with his first public comment. His message: "Scallywags never give up!" Team Sun Hung Kai / Scallywag wants to finish the Volvo Ocean Race and now has a race against time after the difficult days. A transfer crew is to bring the grey boat with the red and white wave to the Brazilian stage port of Itajaí as quickly as possible.
David Witt's combative message late on Wednesday evening:
"When you feel the pain and you've had enough of the game, but you're young, brave and smart, you pick yourself up by the scruff of the neck, knock the dust off - because it's the carrying on that's so hard. The Scallywags will carry on! Our transfer crew has arrived and we're now in a race against time to make it in time for the start of the next leg in Brazil. We are all injured. But we're not out! Scallywags will never give up! We will make it to the start, look after each other and finish the race. We will do the best job we can. For all Scallywags and in John's memory and honour. On behalf of the team, I would like to thank all our supporters for their messages of support. It has helped us enormously during this difficult time. Witty"
The message, which after just half a day was already accompanied by almost 500 consistently encouraging and emotional comments, was sent by the team from the Chilean port of Puerto Montt, where the shaken team had found their first harbour of refuge after the tragic accident and further days of heavy storms. The first comment came from Team Brunel: "Wow, it's incredible how big your hearts are! We wish you the best for a timely arrival in Itajaí and a stylish finish to the race. This will be the greatest tribute to John imaginable! Go, Scallywags!"
In Puerto Montt, the police have now begun the official investigation into the case of John Fisher, who disappeared at sea, questioned the crew members and also sent forensics on board. In the meantime, however, Witt has apparently been given permission for his boat to leave the harbour again.
AkzoNobel sails onto the podium
In the seventh leg, which is still ongoing, Simeon Tienpont's Dutch team has now crossed the finish line off Itajaí in third place after 18 days, 3 hours, 38 minutes and 24 seconds at sea, securing the final podium place. At sea, Dee Caffari's team Turn the Tide on Plastic is still battling with a lead of almost 260 nautical miles over the Spanish team Mapfre. Both teams had to contend with mast problems on the queen's stage of the 13th edition of the Volvo Ocean Race. The Spaniards even had to make a 13-hour repair stop off Cape Horn, which is why they were sailing so far behind the field in unfortunate light winds.
