The story of the scandalous suspension of Team AkzoNobel skipper Simeon Tienpont has taken a shocking new turn. Yesterday, a few hours before the start of the first leg of the 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race, Tienpont once again led the Dutch crew.
After the team's sponsor AkzoNobel accused the 35-year-old yachtsman of breach of contract a week ago and removed him as skipper, an outraged Thienpont went to court to defend his case. He was only ruled in his favour on the eve of the first offshore race. But even after that, on the day of the regatta start, he had to provide a court order to the guards who wouldn't let him on the boat.
Among those remaining ashore were Jules Salter, who led the crew in the first port race, and Brad Jackson, who had already been named the new captain. With Antonio Fontes of rivals Sun Hung Kai Scallywag, Antonio Fontes was one of the new entrants.
Tienpont's return had a positive effect on the team's results. Already after the first night of the Alicante-Lisbon segment, AkzoNobel, which took 6th place in the last race, was running second, only 3 miles behind Team Vestas 11th Hour Racing.
