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Volvo Ocean Race Will Sail to China

On April 18, the China Water Sports Administration Centre, China Yachting Association and Volvo Event Management (UK), the organizer of the Volvo Ocean Race, hosted a press conference in Beijing to announce that the Volvo Ocean Race 2008–09 will come to China in spring 2009. Chinese coastal cities will be selected as ports for races and hospitality sites, and China will set up a team to participate in the world’s premier round-the-world race.

The Volvo Ocean Race was established in 1973 as the Whitbread Round the World Race. This sailing marathon is the most prestigious ocean sailing race in the world, lasting 9 months across 39,000 nautical miles and visiting up to 12 countries and ports. The whole race goes through several severe oceanic and climactic extremes, which poses a huge challenge to all competitors in terms of technology, physical and mental endurance. 

Glenn Bourke, CEO of Volvo Event Management (UK) said: “The Volvo Ocean Race is an event integrating technology, intelligence and perseverance, reflecting the real sports spirit—passion, innovation, adventure and world-class teamwork. We are grateful for China’s support in providing us an opportunity to bring the race to this region. China is a strong sports country with a long coastline and millions of sports fans. We believe the race will heighten their interest and participation in sailing in China and Asia.”

Wei Di, director of the China Water Sports Administration Centre, spoke in favour of hosting the Volvo Ocean Race in China: “It is a professional international sailing event, and the arrival of the Volvo Ocean Race will accelerate the development of water sports in China.” Both parties have signed an agreement to promote sailing in China. Sailors who might participate in the Volvo Ocean Race on behalf of China are under consideration. The organization committee is also seeking sponsorships from commercial interests to raise the funds required for the construction of a Chinese boat and the resources needed by the team to compete in the race.

The 2008–09 race will begin in Alicante Port, Spain, in October 2008, travelling through Africa, the Middle East, Asia, North America, South America and to a Baltic port in Europe to finish. The 10-member crews race aboard the Volvo Open 70, the fastest mono-hull ocean racing yacht in the world.

The fleet will arrive in China around the spring festival in 2009 and engage in various activities such as an in-port race. The visit of the race will also provide the opportunity for world-class hospitality and events including arrival and departure ceremonies and an official prize giving function. The race will not only be a professional sailing event, but also a cultural and recreational carnival.

The identity of the Chinese host city for the Volvo Ocean Race is still to be decided. The successful host city will have to meet certain criteria set by the race organization. Economic development level, construction of port facilities, commercial and cultural influence of the city, expertise for organizing the stopover and the in-port race will be taken into consideration.