Rome Kirby
Rome Kirby trimming main while keeping a watchful eye to leeward. PUMA Ocean Racing powered by BERG during leg 2 of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12,from Cape Town,South Africa to Abu Dhabi,UAE. (Credit: Amory Ross/PUMA Ocean Racing/Volvo Ocean Race)

Rome Kirby joins Team Brunel for the Volvo Ocean Race!

Christian Winthrop·
LocalThe BuzzVolvo Ocean Race

Newport’s Rome Kirby has announced that he’s joining Team Brunel for Leg 4 of the Volvo Ocean Race from Melbourne to Hong Kong.

Kirby, 28, won the 34th America’s Cup in 2013 with Oracle Team USA and last sailed the Volvo Ocean Race in 2011-12 on Puma Ocean Racing, finishing third.

He will serve as a helmsman and sail trimmer for the team and is the team’s fifth under 30-sailor. Professional sailing is in Kirby’s blood. His father Jerry Kirby had a distinguished career as a professional sailor in the America’s Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race.

The Volvo Ocean Race Newport race village will open on May 8, 2018.