Heiner forced to walk the plank
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Roy Heiner, skipper of Assa Abloy, one of the pre-race favourites for the Volvo Ocean Race, has paid a swift and heavy price for a disappointing first leg in the round the world event. Within days of arriving in Cape Town in fifth place he has been sacked, and replaced by Briton Neal McDonald, whose wife, Lisa, is skippering another boat in the race.
Assa Abloy's project director, Richard Brisius, explained the move. "Looking at leg one, and at future legs we have come to the conclusion that we needed to change the leadership on board the boat."
Heiner himself said: "It feels a little bit like that mountain [Table Mountain] has just come rolling on top of you. I guess it is a product of the professionalising of the sport. The stakes are higher, the pressures are higher."
McDonald, 38, will skipper leg two, but has been officially appointed as co-skipper with navigator Mark Rudiger, who guided Paul Cayard's EF Language to overwhelming victory last time. With Cayard also having split from his America's Cup Challenge syndicate, there are already rumours linking him with Assa Abloy for future legs.
Assa's race went wrong after a promising first half, when they were second, as they broke away from the fleet, gambling on a weather break which never materialised.
McDonald, one of Britain's most experienced ocean racers, said: "It's obviously difficult circumstances, and I am sorry to see Roy go, but I am very proud."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments