New Exercise and Fitness Review
Nine months, 11 cities, 38,379 miles in grueling conditions – to say the Volvo Ocean Race is tough would be a serious understatement, but it’s exactly what 14 women, including five Brits (Annie Lush, Sam Davies, Dee Caffari, Libby Greenhalgh and Abby Ehler), have been training 18-months for. Team SCA, the first all-female crew since 2001-2002 will face sleep deprivation, freeze-dried rations, minus temperatures, 6000 calories-a-day diets and weeks without seeing their families. And that’s just scraping the surface of the challenge.
For the past year and half, the Team SCA crew have undergone an intense training regime in Lanzarote which saw daily 45-75 minute gym sessions on top of on the water training and strict diets. To date, the team has lifted over 1 million kilograms EACH. Considering one sail stack can weigh between 100-150kg when wet, it’s a good job.
We were lucky enough to catch up with the crew in Alicante before they set sail on their first leg to Cape Town on Saturday. Despite the extreme temperatures and potential conditions described as ‘driving a convertible through a carwash’ – that often require the team to wear snorkel goggles – these inspiring women are as calm as they are fearless. Remaining cool, but excited, the girls know that their 18-month prep, talented set of coaches and unique bond will give them a fighting chance, but admit it’ll be tough competition. Team SCA skipper, Sam Davies told us: ‘All the crews are really good, but we have a lot of miles and hours under our belt, our support from coaches and the team will help us when things get tough, but a little bit of luck also helps. The only thing we’ll have on board that the guys won’t is a sports bra!”
What are the girls most forward to when they hit dry land? “A good night’s sleep,” says Sara Hastreiter. “On dry matress and a soft pillow,” adds Sophie.
A large motivating factor in getting to the next port is knowing their families will be there waiting for them, but especially so for Sam, Carolijn and Abby who all have young children. “Our drive and competitive spirit is exceedingly high and that is one of the many things that will drive us forward to succeed – that and missing our families. During the race we will experience extremes of hot and cold, extreme hunger and sleep deprivation. But I wouldn’t miss it for the world!,” said Brit Dee Caffari.
Leading global hygiene company SCA – think brands such as TENA and Bodyform – were the perfect sponsor for the team. Sally Barker, UK and Ireland managing director of SCA, explained why the company decided to partner with the all-female crew:
“SCA is supporting an all-female team because globally about 80% of the retail products SCA makes are purchased by women. This gives SCA a natural interest in the role that women play in the field of hygiene of millions of families around the world.”
“Furthermore, SCA supports women’s empowerment and their freedom to participate fully in society – socially, educationally and professionally – across the world by giving them access to and education about hygiene products and solutions.”
Their competition is tough. Other crews contain the crème de la crème of sailing, with team Abu Dhabi tipped to win, but the unique bond, strength and tough mentality was overwhelming inspiring when we witnessed the girls in Alicante. So our money is firmly on #TeamSCA.
Follow the action on Twitter at @volvooceanrace and @team_sca or download the Volvo Ocean Race app.
Team SCA set sail on the Volvo Ocean Race
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