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This will be the fifth circumnavigation of the globe for the Spanish sailor

Following the announcement of Iker Martínez as skipper on "Telefónica”, Xabi Fernández as trimmer and Horacio Carabelli as Technical Director of the Spanish team directed by Pedro Campos, Pepe Ribes has been confirmed as the newest crew member on “Telefónica”. Ribes will bring a large dose of experience with him, as the sailor from Benissa (Alicante, Spain) will be sailing what will be his fourth Volvo Ocean Race, not to mention his fourth placed finish in the Barcelona World Race, just a few weeks ago. This new edition of the regatta will therefore be his fifth circumnavigation of the globe and his second round the world regatta in less than a year.

Ribes is taking on this new project “with lots of excitement and eagerness. The whole team is very excited, we have a competitive boat and we are looking forward to taking on these next few months. Putting together a new boat and seeing how it works is incredibly interesting," said the sailor from Benissa.

Third time with the Spanish team

After his participation in the 2005 edition of the regatta on “movistar” and in 2008 on “Telefónica Blue”, Ribes is back with the team directed by Spaniard Pedro Campos with the intention of giving his best to the Spanish team and to battle for victory in the regatta.

“This is my third Volvo Ocean Race with the team and what I'm hoping from this regatta is to win it. I do that with every regatta, but especially with this one. I hope we are competitive, that we stay in front and we form a strong enough or even stronger crew than the rest so that we can win this," he said.

Pepe Ribes is back forming part of a crew led by Olympic champion Iker Martínez, skipper on “Telefónica”. Ribes highlighted his capacity to push the boat throughout. "There is no doubt that he is one of the best Spanish sailors there are and have been and he never gives up on the boat. Iker has many characteristics which have taken him to where he is and have led him to succeed in so many successes."

Iker Martínez spoke of the importance of Pepe Ribes joining the ”Telefónica” crew: “Pepe is a very important person for the team. His experience in these races means that he is a key figure on the boat. It is hard to find a person like Pepe, with the skills, knowledge and experience of four round the world regattas."

A very competitive and multi-skilled sailor

As well as being a well-known sailor, Pepe Ribes is a consummate specialist in hydraulic and mechanical systems, one of the most important crew positions for a Volvo Open 70. His progress as an offshore sailor has also allowed him to specialise further in hydraulics and strategic navigational functions.

Pepe will also be the boat captain among the crew. "It's a bit like managing the boat", Ribes explained. "I'm the one in charge of knowing how the systems work, and coordinating and supervising that the jobs are done on time and helping with everything that the boat or crew may need."

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

Name and surname: Pepe Ribes Rubio.

Age: 39 years old.

Place and DOB: Benissa (Alicante, Spain), 19^th June 1971.

Marital status: Married, one child.

Volvo Ocean Race entries: 3.

Sailing CV summary:

- Barcelona World Race 2010-2011. “Estrella Damm”. (4^th place).

- Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009. “Telefónica Blue” (3^rd place).  

- America’s Cup 2007. “Victory Challenge”.

- Spanish Champion GP42. “Zurich”. 2007.

- Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006. “movistar”. (6^th place)

- Volvo Ocean Race 2001-2002. “Amer Sports ONE”. (3^rd place)

- America’s Cup 2000. “Bravo España”.