For some it’s the biggest physical and mental challenge of a lifetime, an unforgettable endurance test, an unpredictable struggle to survive on turbulent tides with no landmark in sight.
For others it’s a spectacle to behold, a vision of colour and glamour, the perfect excuse for a glitzy overseas jaunt.
Whichever side of the shoreline you’re more comfortable on, the forthcoming Volvo Ocean Race has something for you.
What: The Volvo Ocean Race, established in 1973 as The Whitbread Round the World Race, is the world’s premier global race and one of the most challenging sporting events in the world. Sailing teams spend eight months covering 31,000 nautical miles, visiting ten ports around the world, at speeds of up to 64 kilometres per hour.
When: The event takes place once every four years. The 2005-2006 event kicks off on 5 November 2005 and is expected to end around 17 June 2006.
Where: The fleet sets sail from Vigo, Spain, before racing in nine legs which take in New Zealand, Brazil, USA, South Africa, Australia, England, the Netherlands and finally Sweden, home of Volvo.
For spectators: The start and finish lines are where most of the partying is at, a veritable joy to behold for the tens of thousands of supportive sailing fans who pile into Sanxenxo (Spain) and Gothenburg (Sweden) harbours respectively (see more below). Races in each port are also great entertainment for the viewing public. These are scheduled to take place in Sanxenxo, Cape Town, Melbourne, Rio De Janeiro, Baltimore/Annapolis, Portsmouth and Rotterdam (see highlights below).
Sanxenxo and Vigo: Fly to Santiago for kick off on 5 November. After cheering on the sailors, explore Galicia (the ‘Ireland of Spain’) with its jagged coastline and lush green countryside. More.
Rio De Janeiro: The perfect excuse for an indulgent springtime break in Brazil, an in port race is due to take place on or around 25 March 2006. Once the boats have passed on, retire to acres of sandy beach and parkland. More.
Portsmouth: Get a piece of the action without venturing too far from home. The harbour’s in port race is pencilled in for 29 May 2006. Afterwards there’re miles of coastline to enjoy, along with waterfront shopping and eating. All in all, the perfect British seaside break. More.
Gothenburg: After eight months at sea the crews deserve a warm welcome. Ferry or fly to Gothenburg and combine the 17 June 2006 homecoming party with a stroll through the city’s leafy boulevards, taking in exquisite stone architecture and seventeenth century relics. More.
Your armchair: If you’d rather get the latest news on the Volvo Ocean Race fleet without leaving home, check for minute-by-minute updates, interviews, video footage and more on www.volvooceanrace.org.
www.volvocars.co.uk.
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