Joao Vila, a Catalan engineer with a deep relationship with Javier de la Gandara, in his "Fortuna" and "Galicia 93-Pescanova" projects, the new "Mapfre" (Photo Maria Muiña)

Joan Vila, the most international regatist in the history of the Spanish candle, will defend the colors of the Mapfre in the Volvo Ocean Race that starts on October 22. The Catalan navigator was also the first Spanish to win the Volvo Ocean Race 15 years ago in the German Illbruck in the 2001 / 02 edition, after having previously participated in the ranks of the Fortuna Extra Lights (1989-90), Galicia Pescanova (1993-94) and Chessie Racing (1997-98). Curiously, Vila has not been back in the race since then, so she will complete her fifth round of the world three minutes after the previous one.

His long and successful lead in the American Cup since then forced him to focus on the fight for the Jarra de las 100 Guineas, which he won three times (with Alinghi in 2003 and 2007 and with Oracle in 2013). A few weeks ago he concluded his link with the American team in the 2017 edition, in which he saw the faces with another of the new records: New Zealand Blair Tuke.

"It's the best race any ocean sailing regatist can do with crew, so you always have an eye on it. Unfortunately in recent years I have not had the opportunity to participate in it because I have agreed with other projects, but I have always liked it. Now the opportunity to make it has emerged again and in addition to being part of a team like the MAPHRE", declares the Puerto Rican astro from Sanxenxo. Vila explains the reasons that have led her to accept the Mapfre offer. "I have spoken to another team besides this one, but since I spoke to Xabi and saw the people who were involved in the team, with the possibility of making an excellent team, I did not doubt it and I decided for the ship that leads Campos. What has most attracted my attention is how well it is and how well everything works.", indicate.

Joan Vila joins an all-round candidate crew composed so far of Xabi Fernández (ESP-pattern), Pablo Arrarte (ESP-head of guard), Rob Greenhalch (GBR- head of guard), Ñeti Cuervas- Mons (ESP-bow and boat captain), Willy Altadill (ESP-trimmer / bow) and Blair Tuke (NZL-trimmer / cane).