Volvo Ocean Race: The countdown is on, but things are still rumbling within Team AkzoNobel

The temporary peace seems fragile, the public statements remain vague: after a dramatic few days, Team AkzoNobel, led by the new New Zealand skipper Brad Jackson, is trying to calm down and make up for missed preparations for the first leg from Alicante to Lisbon (starting signal: 22 October).

Brad Jackson has now commented on the problems in the team for the first time in an interview. However, there are no references to his predecessor and no clarification of what happened. But Jackson admits: "We've had some really tough days and now we have to march forward as best we can. We know that we are running out of time with regard to the launch, so we need to focus on our task. For me, the support of the crew has been key to taking on my new role."

The well-informed online magazine "Sailing Illustrated" today presented the American Rome Kirby, who is said to have signed with AkzoNobel on Wednesday, as the most likely new addition to the team. His father Jerry Kirby has already taken part in three Volvo Ocean Races and six America's Cup campaigns. Rome Kirby competed in the 2008/09 Volvo Ocean Race as an alternate with Team Puma and was the youngest sailor to compete in the 2011/12 race around the world. He then joined Larry Ellison's Oracle Team USA in the successful America's Cup challenge on "USA 17" in San Francisco.

On land, meanwhile, the disgraced former skipper Simeon Tienpont continues to fight for his sporting survival and has given AkzoNobel an ultimatum that is due to expire today. According to several media reports, the threat of a court hearing is imminent. Whether the legal battle will lead to changes in the team or even the reinstatement of Tienpont will become clear at the latest with the start on 22 October, which will take place on the Homepage of the Volvo Ocean Race will be broadcast live.

"Rapper's Delight" accompanies Bekking's Team Brunel

On the lighter side of things, the second Dutch team this week presented its team song for the eighth round the world by Brunel skipper and record participant Bouwe Bekking: "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang. "We wanted something different, something fun," says Bekking, who is popular in his sailing-loving home country, explaining the choice of team song from 1980 with a broad grin. The Dutchman, who lived in Hamburg for many years and sailed for a number of well-known German owners, says in the YACHT online interview that his team's preparations for the first leg are as good as complete: "We are sailing with all nine people and are benefiting greatly from the mix of old hands and young, but also experienced hands in the team. Kyle, Peter and Carlo (ed.: Langford, Burling, Huisman) come up with lots of good new ideas and put the pressure on. They bring everything to the table. Some things may not work, but other things will help us enormously. We are ready for the race." For the first leg, the 54-year-old is expecting room-sheet conditions on the course from Alicante to Lisbon.