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Volvo Ocean RaceThe skipper wistfully disembarks

Tatjana Pokorny

 · 10.09.2015

Volvo Ocean Race: The skipper wistfully disembarksPhoto: VOR
Knut Frostad says goodbye to the Volvo Ocean Race. A successor is still being sought
After eight years at the helm, VOR captain Knut Frostad is stepping down. A successor is not yet in sight, but should be found by the end of 2015

For eight years and three editions, four-time circumnavigator Knut Frostad led the Volvo Ocean Race as captain through all the tides following his sailing career. Now the Norwegian has announced his retirement at the end of the year. A successor is not yet in sight, but should be found by the end of the year. Frostad wants to devote more time to his family in the future and swap the "nomadic life" that the chase around the globe brings for its captain for a more stable life.

Assertive, visionary and passionate: Knut Frostad has strongly characterised the Volvo Ocean Race for eight yearsPhoto: VOR Assertive, visionary and passionate: Knut Frostad has strongly characterised the Volvo Ocean Race for eight years

The 48-year-old took over the helm of the most famous regatta around the world for crews in March 2008. Frostad said wistfully that he was proud of what he had achieved and that he had been able to contribute to making the boat class and format of the race fit for the future. In particular, Frostad was responsible for the decision in favour of the new single class Volvo Ocean 65, which should attract more teams to participate and has helped to reduce costs. The Volvo Ocean Race, which once matured into a classic under the name Whitbread Round the World Race, can now look back on a colourful 42-year history.

Made his Whitbread debut with Knut Frostad in 1993/1994: Tim Kröger. Back then, the two newcomers sailed together on the European "Intrum Justitia"Photo: NSR/OnEdition Made his Whitbread debut with Knut Frostad in 1993/1994: Tim Kröger. Back then, the two newcomers sailed together on the European "Intrum Justitia"

Before Frostad led the race as CEO, he was a circumnavigator himself. He made his debut in the race, which he played a decisive role in shaping, with Hamburg sailing professional Tim Kröger on board the European "Intrum Justitia" in 1993/1994. Kröger has fond memories of the athletic and ambitious sailor and friend Knut Frostad: "As a sailor, he was always ready for action and extremely focussed. It was great fun sailing with Knut. Frostad's departure is a huge loss for the Volvo Ocean Race. Knut took the race to a new level and led it with aplomb. He leaves behind some pretty big shoes to fill, which will not be easy to fill."

A picture from his sailing days in the race of his life: Knut Frostad as watch leader of "Brasil"Photo: Oskar Kihlborg/Volvo Ocean Race A picture from his sailing days in the race of his life: Knut Frostad as watch leader of "Brasil"

Knut Frostad called his decision to retire "one of the hardest decisions of my life". At the same time, Frostad said: "I am an all-or-nothing person. And this is an all-or-nothing race. I just want to spend more time with my family now." Frostad will leave the race in good shape and with a one-size-fits-all class that proved its worth at its premiere in 2014/2015.

Frostad introduced the VOR65 single class - it proved its worth at the last edition and reduces the participation costs for the teamsPhoto: Amalia Infante/Volvo Ocean Race Frostad introduced the VOR65 single class - it proved its worth at the last edition and reduces the participation costs for the teams

The Volvo Car Group and the Volvo Group will miss their charismatic thinker and leader. Henry Sténson, Vice President of the Volvo Group, said on behalf of all the companies involved: "Knut has done a fantastic job in leading and developing the race. We could not have wished for a more passionate leader. We understand his desire to spend more time with his family. We will all miss him very much."

On his announced departure, Frostad quoted the former Whitbread skipper Sir Peter Blake, who was murdered by pirates in the Amazon, and his view of this race: "There is nothing like it. It gets into your blood and you can't get rid of it." Frostad will also have to contend with this.

VOR CEO Frostad was a convincing all-rounder and was also a commentator and reporter. It will be difficult to find a successor with his qualities and experiencePhoto: Carmen Hidalgo/Volvo Ocean Race VOR CEO Frostad was a convincing all-rounder and was also a commentator and reporter. It will be difficult to find a successor with his qualities and experience
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Tatjana Pokorny

Tatjana Pokorny

Sports reporter

Tatjana “tati” Pokorny is the author of nine books. As a reporter for Europe's leading sailing magazine YACHT, she also works as a correspondent for the German Press Agency (DPA), the Hamburger Abendblatt and other national and international media. In summer 2024, Tatjana will be reporting from Marseille on her ninth consecutive Olympic Games. Other core topics have been the America's Cup since 1992, the Ocean Race since 1993, the Vendée Globe and other national and international regattas and their protagonists. Favorite discipline: Portraits of and interviews with sailing personalities. When she started out in sports journalism, she was still intensively involved with basketball and other sports, but sailing quickly became her main focus. The reason? The declared optimist says: “There is no other sport like it, no other sport with such interesting and intelligent personalities, no other sport so diverse, no other sport so full of energy, strength and ideas. Sailing is like a constantly refreshing declaration of love for life."

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