He returned to skipper Team Sanya (the Irish-Chinese entry in the race) in the 2011-2012 Volvo Ocean Race. The boat, formerly known as Telefónica Blue in the 2008-2009 Volvo Ocean Race, has been plagued with instrument and hull failures. As of 30 March 2012 the boat is currently being shipped to Miami to be repaired so it can rejoin the race in Legal 7.
Perhaps best known for being awarded the prestigious ISAF World Sailor of the Year Award for winning the 2005-2006 Volvo Ocean Race as skipper of Algemene Bank Nederland Amro I. At 35 years old, he became the youngest skipper to ever win a Volvo Ocean Race in the 2005-2006 edition of the race. (Lionel Péan had previously won the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1986, aged 29). From 2007 to 2010 he was Team Director of Team Origin, a potential British challenger for the 2013 America"s Cup.
