Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
However, the yachts first have to face a series of innovative In-Port races, the first of which takes place in Alicante on the weekend of October 29-30. New to this demanding event, the In-Port races are designed to bring the racing as close as possible to the spectators, testing the crews to the limit with short, sharp intense racing at very close quarters. They are designed to increase the public’s awareness and passion for the sport of racing.
During this high profile event the Volvo Ocean Race will visit eight stopover ports on five continents and the competitors will race through four oceans in under nine months. The Volvo Open 70’s will cover over 39,270 nautical miles while racing around the world.
Explaining the revised format, Volvo Ocean Race CEO Knut Frostad said that there were two clear aims. “Firstly we have reduced the time the teams are onshore and the time they have between the In-Port and the Leg Start.
“Secondly, we will entertain the local public with the spectacle that is the Volvo Ocean Race for a long weekend of great racing and thrilling viewing.”
Galway will be the first finish city in the event’s history to stage an inshore race after the final leg of 485 nautical miles from Lorient. “The Volvo Ocean Race is a really massive event for us,” said Steve Dewhurst, managing director of Volvo Bus UK. “Given the introduction of the In-Port races, this will create an even greater interest giving us the opportunity to promote our customer commitment even further.
“We are certainly planning to maximise the opportunities the event provides, both in Alicante this year and particularly in Galway in 2012.”
The Galway finish and subsequent In-Port races promise to be a spectacular spectator weekend and a fitting end to the Volvo Ocean Race – Life at the extreme.
Volvo Bus UK will have all the latest information on the Volvo Ocean Race as it progresses on its website: .
For full details of the Volvo Ocean Race itinerary visit the dedicated website: http://www.volvooceanrace.com/
ENDS
15th April 2011
Caption for image: Camper – the first 3rd generation Volvo Open 70 to be launched undergoes sea trials in New Zealand.