ABN AMRO ONE : 2005/06 Volvo Ocean Race
On 22nd July Mike Sanderson joined TEAM ABN AMRO to become skipper of ABN AMRO ONE for the 2005-2006 Volvo Ocean Race.

Having competed in the Volvo Ocean Race on two previous occasions coming first and second, his focus on total boat performance and development in addtion to his extensive experience was instrumental in this winning two-boat campaign.

Mike’s ultimate aim was to skipper a winning Volvo Ocean Race campaign and on 17th June, 2006, as the skipper of ABN AMRO ONE, after a gruelling eight months he lifted the 'Fighting Finish' trophy in Gothenburg, at the end of the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006.

In addition to his role as skipper of ABN AMRO ONE, Mike, along with sailing director Roy Heiner, helped to select the crews for both of the teams two boats, and throughout the campaign continued to work closely with ABN AMRO TWO, beyond the build-up to the race.



NEWS RELEASE
17 June 2006: ABN AMRO ONE today lifted the ‘Fighting Finish’ trophy, upon sailing into Gothenburg, Sweden, at the finish of the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006. The team who were insurpassable from the moment they finished leg seven in Portsmouth, UK, were jubilant to reach Gothenburg to be met by an excited crowd, finishing their round-the-world adventure in style.

For Mike and his team it has been an emphatic victory, winning six out of nine offshore legs plus five out of seven inshore races and they have proved that they are without doubt the premier team in this race. To add to their tally of achievements at the finish, watch captain Mark Christensen also became the first person to ever win three Whitbread/Volvo Ocean Races.

Amid celebrations on the dockside in Gothenburg, a delighted Mike Sanderson, skipper of ABN AMRO ONE commented: “I am very happy to be here, to finally be able to lift this trophy is a fantastic moment. We have won the Volvo Ocean Race - this is a dream come true. What an amazing opportunity we have had and that was what has made this TEAM unique. Today belonged to everyone - what happens on the water is a small part of the overall result and every person in every part of this campaign has been important.

This is my Olympic medal – I wanted to win the Volvo Ocean Race and that’s what we done. We took a bit of a slow bus to get the party but we made it!”

Jan Berent Heukensfeldt Jansen, CEO of TEAM ABN AMRO commented: “This is a fantastic achievement – it has been our lives for two and a half years. It is a long time. But it has been down to preparation and team work and this is such a good team. We have had some tough times but we have recovered and won the race. I am very proud, but not only of the sailing team - the shore team did an amazing job working day and night. And if you see where we are now it is a pity is it finished. Everyone is very proud and we are proud to be part of the Volvo Ocean Race community.”


For further information on TEAM ABN AMRO

TEAM ABN AMRO after the Volvo Ocean Race

Mike continues to work with ABN AMRO following his race win, sailing their two Volvo 70's in a series of races and regattas around the world.
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