Irish sailors in the race

Damian Foxall(Green Dragon) : AS OPPOSITE watch-leader to Neal McDonald, this combination has served to establish the Green Dragon crew line-up as one of the most convincing in this race. Winner of the Barcelona World Race earlier this year with JP Dick, Foxall is arguably Ireland's best known sailor of the modern era.

Justin Slattery(Green Dragon): AS LEAD bowman on the winning ABN AMRO ONE with skipper Mike Sanderson in the last Volvo Ocean Race, the Corkman has a huge depth of experience and has shortened the lead time for the Green Dragon project, playing catch-up on the more established teams for the race.

Ian Moore(Green Dragon): THE QUIET-SPOKEN Moore, from Newcastle, Co Down, has etched a name for himself as a top racing navigator in events as diverse as the America's Cup and Round Ireland Race and this, his first full Volvo Ocean Race. Fresh from overall victory of the Audi MedCup season, Moore is a strong choice for the role.

Ger O'Rourke(Team Delta Lloyd): A STRING of victories with his canting-keeled Cookson 50-footer Chieftain prompted this Limerick sailor to fulfil a lifetime ambition. He bought the last race winner and, just as sponsorship hopes appeared dead, secured the backing of insurance giant Delta Lloyd, albeit with a change of flag to that of The Netherlands.

Edwin O'Connor(Team Delta Lloyd): O'CONNOR PASSED the tough selection criteria set by Dutch Olympic coach Maurice Paardenkooper. When O'Rourke steps off in Cape Town, O'Connor will be the only Irishman on board until the Singapore In-Port Race when boat captain Mark Tighe rejoins the team.

Jeremy Elliott(Team Russia): ELLIOTT IS no stranger to professional racing and will be sailing on Andreas Hannakamp's Team Russia, fulfilling the significant role of sail co-ordinator. Previously involved with Green Dragon co-founder Eamon Conneely's Patches campaign on the TP52 MedCup circuit.