In 2008, Fernando was named skipper of one of the two Spanish entries in the Volvo Ocean Race 2008–2009, Telefónica Black. The ten leg race started in Alicante Spain on 4 October with an inshore race, followed by the first leg from Alicante to Cape Town South Africa.
Fernando took command of one of the two Spanish vessels participating in the Volvo Ocean Race 2008–2009, Telefónica Black. The ten-stage competition commenced on October 4 in Alicante, Spain with an initial inshore event, followed by the first leg from Alicante to Cape Town, South Africa.