SHORT FACTS

Age: 20
Born: Angola
Lives in: UK
Nationality: Portugese
Hobbies: Football, music, socializing

Biography

They call him the “nipper.” Indeed, Alan Morais is the youngest and newest member of the Ericsson Racing Team build and design crew. But working in the boat yard is already a second career for this 20-year old.

Morais used to play pro football for Chelsea, England. An injury took him off the field, but his spirit isn’t knocked. Thanks to older brothers who are also at the boat yard, he easily found a new pursuit.

“My brothers would come home for the holidays and show us what they did. I liked the process and I asked them to help me get into boat building. It’s very exciting coming into work every day with them and it’s a bit weird getting taught by them but I find it easier…it’s better with your brothers than messing up in front of other people because your brothers look after you,” says Morais.

As the three brothers worked on the hull of the Ericsson 4 together, a lot of easy laughter was shared. Alan Morais doesn’t mind being the target of brotherly teasing. “It makes you stronger and makes you keen to learn more,” he says.

On any given day Morais might do some laminating, preparing vac-stacks (airtight constructions that are cooked and pressed into boat parts), or taking tools into his own hands.

“By watching and learning I get to drill a bit here, or saw a bit there. It changes every day,” he explains.

Everything is new for the former footballer: he had no previous connection to sailing, racing, or technology. But he is excited about Ericsson in the Volvo Ocean Race. He says: “I like the idea that they’re going everywhere and bringing people together.”

And when the “nipper” looks 30 squarely in the eye, he hopes to be retired. “But you never know,” he admits. “You plan something but other doors tend to open and you take a different route.”