Gordon Ramsay cooks up a storm in the Volvo Ocean Race
by Kate Fairclough 4 Nov 2005 10:46 GMT
Celebrated chef joins TEAM ABN AMRO on high seas
World-acclaimed chef Gordon Ramsay today announced he is to set sail onboard TEAM ABN AMRO ONE in The Volvo Ocean Race during the first in-port race in Sanxenxo, Spain tomorrow. His participation in what is one of the toughest sporting events in the world, marks his appointment as food and nutrition advisor to TEAM ABN AMRO’s two-boat crew – an unprecedented role in this prestigious event.
International culinary genius and holder of seven Michelin stars, Ramsay, 38, has been brought on board to find ways to make the dried food rations more palatable and also to provide the necessary 6,000 calories needed by each crew member, per day. He will also work closely with the team’s chefs to devise nutritious meals for the stopover ports that the that the team’s current chefs will prepare ahead of the next leg of the race.
Formerly the Whitbread Round the World Race, the gruelling, nine-legged Volvo Ocean Race will see professional sailors push themselves and the boats to the extreme. The first leg of the 30,000 mile, 8-month race will begin in Vigo, Spain with stopovers in Cape Town, Melbourne, Wellington, Rio, Baltimore/Annapolis, New York, Portsmouth and Rotterdam. This year’s event sees the introduction of seven in-port races, the results of which count towards 20% of the overall points.
Well-known for his fiery management style in the kitchen, the star of “Hell’s Kitchen” and “The F Word” will tomorrow find himself under the orders of Mike Sanderson, former Whitbread Round the World winner and skipper of ABN AMRO ONE. TEAM ABN AMRO has also entered a second “high potential” boat, ABN AMRO TWO, whose crew are all 31 and under and is skippered by Frenchman Sebastien Josse.
Ramsay, who has himself worked as a chef for a year onboard Reg Grundy’s boat, commented:
“It’s a real privilege to join the team in this amazing event. It’s not often I’m on the receiving end of orders but I’m definitely going to do whatever I’m told. I’m just praying that I won’t get sea-sick and be hanging off the back of the boat! Seriously though, I’ve been a sailing fan for a long time and have enormous respect for these guys. Many of the traits involved in this race, such as professionalism, teamwork and competitiveness, are all things I aspire to in my kitchens and it will be fascinating to see a team perform under pressure of a different kind.”
He continued:
“The concept behind the second boat also struck a real chord with me. I think what ABN AMRO has offered these young guys is an incredible opportunity and a great chance for them to prove their potential. I’m relishing the challenge of working with the whole team and am excited about following their progress in the race.”
Mike Sanderson, skipper of ABN AMRO ONE said:
“We are delighted to welcome Gordon onboard as part of TEAM ABN AMRO. Throughout our preparations we’ve been looking hard at ways that ensure we are one step ahead of our competitors. Our diet both at sea and on land is a key element to the performance of the team and it’s great to be receiving expert advice from Gordon. I know the French guys in particular are very grateful for anything that will taste better! Tomorrow’s race is crucial for us. We believe we have one of the best boats and crews in the race and we’ll be looking to show the world what we’re made of and set the standard for the next eight months.”