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During the trip all the systems were introduced to the rigours of the Gulf of Biscaye, the English Channel and the cold windy European winter conditions. The team used this 2,500 mile return trip to develop the onboard systems and prioritize changes.

The technical adjustments include changes to the daggerboard system, the steering system that needed to be more precise at the high boat speeds experienced, and small changes to deck layout. After two weeks on shore, ABN AMRO will be sailing again this week in preparation for its first transatlantic voyage to the United States in April.

The ABN AMRO is the first Volvo 70 to be built and sailed. It has sailed an impressive 41 days in total since being launched on 18 January, covering 3,500 miles. These voyages have included sailing in winds of up to 40 knots and five metre high waves, with a maximum boat speed of 30 knots. The team is confident that boat speeds of 40 knots or more will be possible.