Daryl Wislang

DARYL WISLANG

Role: Watch captain

Nationality: New Zealand

Date of birth: May 20, 1981 in Nelson, New Zealand

Lives: New Zealand

Languages: English

What he said:
”There is a certain mental toughness that you develop doing the Volvo Ocean Race. You just know how to deal with the most difficult situations and you do it.”

Volvo Ocean Race experience:
2005-06: movistar (as sailmaker and part time in-port race), 2008-09: Telefónica Blue, 2011-12: CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand, 2014-15: Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing.

Greatest achievement?
Winning the Volvo Ocean Race in 2014-15 with Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing.

Best advice anyone gave you?
There is no such word as can’t. In sailing, I think the best advice is to keep your head down and work hard. I also live by my grandfather’s advice that ‘if a job is worth doing, it is worth doing properly’.

Who inspires you?
Former All Black captain Richie McCaw.

What do you want to be remembered or known for?
Who I am, not what I achieve.

When and where did you start sailing?
My dad inspired me to start sailing so I took the sport up in 1992 in Nelson, New Zealand. I learned how to sail with my Dad Brian and my older brother Craig when I was just 10 years old.

What do you miss the most when at sea?
My family.

What food or drink do you miss the most when you are at sea?
Fillet steak.

What do you love most about sailing?
Sailing fast downwind of course.

How do you keep going when you are at your limit?
There is a certain mental toughness that you develop doing the Volvo Ocean Race. You just know how to deal with the most difficult situations and you do it.

What makes you passionate about the Volvo Ocean Race?
The challenge to be pushing as hard as you can for as long as you can.

How would you describe Charles?
Charles is an amazing person and great sailor. I am really looking forward to sailing with him.

Charles on Daryl:
“Daryl is a proven offshore warrior.”