Volvo Ocean Race

The Norwegian navigator gained a reputation for unorthodox brilliance with the bold tactics that took Ericsson 3 to an unlikely victory in the longest leg of the last edition of the race into Rio de Janeiro. Showed his willingness to take tactical risks in Leg 2 of this race too and the decisions taken by the cycling and computer lover will be among the most keenly watched between now and Galway.

Originally a member of the Sanya shore crew, Soriano stepped into the Media Crew Member role shortly before the start of Leg 1. Has a degree in communications from New York University where he specialised in video editing, web and blog design. He was the media man for 2011 Rolex Giraglia Race and has acted as remote camera operator for a variety of sporting events. As a sailor he has competed in the China Sea Race, Hong Kong to Vietnam Race, Cabo Race, Giraglia Race, and the Fastnet Race.

One of the under-30s for this campaign, his first Volvo Ocean Race appearance came last time out as a member of the Delta Lloyd crew. Has also competed in many of sailing’s most high profile events including the Tour de France four times, the Round Britain and Ireland Race twice, the Fastnet Race three times and the Sydney to Hobart Race three times. He is also an accomplished 18-foot skiff sailor and has competed in the double-handed Figaro Transat and singlehanded mini-Fastnet.

Making his first Volvo Ocean Race appearance, he nevertheless has a wealth of top flight competition experience including Olympic coaching, match racing, one design and offshore keelboat racing. He was also helmsman for the Italian America’s Cup campaigners Mascalzone Latino.

His three previous Volvo Ocean Races were on Swedish Match in 1997-98 (finished third), SEB in 2001-02 (seventh) and Ericsson in 2005-06 (fifth). He also has extensive experience in the America’s Cup, and other big boat professional campaigns. Nickname is Dingo.

Another of the Sanya under-30 sailors and making his first Volvo Ocean Race appearance. Has competed in most of yachting’s classic races including the Fastnet, Transatlantic Race, Middle Sea Race and Sydney to Hobart. Also won the 2009 World Match Racing Championship as part of the Blackmatch crew headed by CAMPER’s Adam Minoprio.

Was bowman on Grant Dalton’s Merit Cup in the 1997-98 race when he finished second. Has many years on the World Match Racing Circuit and has also been a part of several America’s Cup campaigns including current challenger, Artemis. Nickname is Beach.

Mason has enjoyed a couple of podium finishes in the race and is one of the most entertaining -- and honest -- talkers about what it’s really like to take part in this gruelling event. Finished second in 2001-02 on Assa Abloy, fifth in 2005-06 on Ericsson and fourth in 2008-09 Ericsson 3. He also has extensive inshore experience and was one of the three boat captains for the Victory Challenge America’s Cup campaign.

One of Sanya’s three under-30 sailors, he competed in the last race as part of the Delta Lloyd crew. Has a wide range of successful competitive sailing experience across TP52, RC44, Extreme 40 and 18 foot skiffs.

Making his Volvo Ocean race debut, Tiger is the first Chinese sailor to compete in the race. A hugely successful businessman in the construction industry, he started sailing as recently as 2010 and originally trained to compete in the Clipper Round the World Race. After a five-week trial with Sanya, including taking part in the 2011 Rolex Fastnet Race, skipper Mike Sanderson confirmed his place on the team.

An experienced America’s Cup campaigner, Main had his first taste of the Volvo Ocean Race on Leg 5 of the 2008-09 edition with Green Dragon. Was named as a full member of the Sanya team this time but was replaced after the all-too-brief first leg.