We want to thank everyone for the many messages and comments the team has received over what has been a difficult few days for us. Right now team AkzoNobel is dealing with a challenge none of us ever expected to face. It has been tough, but the sailors and the shoreside support staff are united in their intention to be on the start line next Sunday for the start of Leg 1 of the Volvo Ocean Race.
Credit : Th Martinez / VOR
The complex nature of the events that have unfolded over the last week have meant we have been unable to communicate with our supporters as openly as we would normally do so, and for that we are sorry.
The title partner and owner of the team has said:
– Simeon Tienpont’s management company STEAM breached its contract to manage the team AkzoNobel entry in the Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18
– The breach was serious enough for AkzoNobel to terminate the contract with immediate effect and AkzoNobel then took over the full management of the team
– Simeon was offered the option to continue as skipper but opted not to continue and has left the team
AkzoNobel has restated to us its unwavering commitment to our entry in the Volvo Ocean Race.
The sailing team and management are working together to move forward and find the best solution for the race which starts in seven days’ time.
As soon as the new skipper is confirmed we will make sure our sailing fans are the first to know about it.
In the world of professional sport and particularly in major global sporting competitions like the Volvo Ocean Race, teams have to be able to deal with whatever adversities come their way.
We are all working in the best interest for the team and the Volvo Ocean Race.
Thanks once again for your support which we value even more than ever at this time.
From Team AkzoNobel
