Kiwi joins Volvo Ocean Race crew

Stu Bannantyne.

Kiwi Volvo Ocean Race veteran Stu Bannatyne has joined Team Alvimedica for leg five of the race from Auckland to Brazil.

The New Zealander will start preparing with the crew tomorrow ahead of the leg start from Auckland on March 15.

"Stu brings incredible experience to us for the tough Southern Ocean leg ahead," said Team Alvimedica skipper Charlie Enright.

"The leg that we are about to embark on is like nothing we have seen in this race so far. With most of our crew never having sailed in the Southern Ocean and around Cape Horn, we will benefit from Stu's knowledge and driving skills on this challenging leg," Enright said.

French race crew Seb Marsset will work from shore with the navigational support team and is scheduled to re-join the race crew for leg six from Brazil to Newport in the United States.

With six Volvo Ocean Races including three wins to his credit, Bannatyne is no stranger to the extreme conditions of the Southern Ocean.

"The next leg with its huge waves and sustained winds of sometimes over 40 knots is the most demanding of the race. Knowing when to throttle back may be as important as pushing the limits. I hope I can help Charlie and the guys in their first Southern Ocean passage," Bannatyne said.