For more than six months, I worked with Team Brunel, one of the world’s top eight sailing teams at the time, during the extremely demanding Volvo Ocean Race. My role as a personal trainer included both physical and mental preparation, designing individualized programs optimizing strength, endurance and recovery under extreme conditions.
Working with Mark Haak and the rest of the team required precision, discipline and adaptability. Each training session was tailored to the challenges they faced at sea – from seasickness and sleep deprivation to constant physical strain and strategic decision-making under pressure. My focus was on creating a balance between performance and safety so that Team Brunel could perform at the highest level throughout all stages of the race.
LIFE AT THE EXTREME was not just a motto – it was the daily reality. I documented progress, adjusted programs along the way and motivated the team to maintain mental resilience in the face of storms, long night watches and unpredictable weather conditions.
The result was a strong and cohesive team ready to tackle the nine gruelling stages of the race:
Alicante – start
Cape Town
Abu Dhabi
Sanya
Auckland
Itajaí
Newport
Lisbon
Gothenburg – finish
This experience not only strengthened my understanding of elite performance under extreme conditions, but also reinforced my approach to personal training: combining physical strength, mental resilience and effective teamwork.
I learned how crucial preparation, adaptability, and trust are when facing demanding challenges over an extended period of time. These lessons continue to shape how I train, lead and motivate others — ensuring that performance is not just about endurance, but about thriving under pressure as part of a united team.
For you who have the opportunity to work together with Dominic Ramino Zomorodnia your lucky day has just started, as Dominic is one of the best in his trade. I have been working with Dominic on our Volvo Ocean Race 2014/15 project with the Dutch entry Team Brunel, being the skipper. I have worked a lot with other people in the fitness and nutrition side of our sport. But none are as talented, hard working and having an eye for the final touches/details as Dominic. You have to remember that our sailing team members are very diverse in age and skills. Dominic made perfect tailored individual programs for each of us. Another very important aspect are his human skills. Dominic can work with anybody and he is able to adapt to all different kind of scenario’s and always optimistic. He is not a person who will quickly say No, and if that happens he will have a very good reason for it, plus he can explain it perfectly why he has come to that decision.
