Green Dragon has announced two crew changes for Leg 5 of the Volvo Ocean Race from Qingdao to Rio, which starts on Saturday 14 February.
Navigator Ian Moore and helmsman/trimmer Anthony Merrington will stand down for the 12,500 mile leg to Rio. They will both re-join the crew in Rio for the remainder of the race.
Taking their place onboard the Dragon will be Dutchman Wouter Verbraak as navigator, and Volvo Ocean Race first timer Chris Main from New Zealand.
Anthony Merrington is stepping down due to a back injury he sustained on Leg 4. After an assessment of the injury, doctors have instructed Merrington to miss the next leg in order to make a full recovery for the rest of the race.
Ian Moore is returning home to the UK after confirming the happy news that his wife Emily is expecting their second child, saying.
'It was a very hard decision to make, but I am overjoyed at the news from home, and it is important that I am there at this time,' Moore said
'I am sure it will be a challenging leg and I wish the boys every success for the trip ahead. Wouter has a huge amount of experience under his belt and I am sure he will enjoy his time onboard.'
