Alicante, Spain Host Volvo Ocean Race 2008
Around The World Yacht Racing Uses Sport to Bring Nations Together
Sep 10, 2008
Event History
Since 1973 and approximately every three to fours years since, fully crewed sailing yachts from around the globe have met to race around the world. It was called the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race, sponsored by a London-based brewery and organized by the Royal Naval Sailing Association. In 2001 it became the Volvo Ocean Race and is currently one of the premiere offshore events in the sport of sailing.
About the 2008-2009 Race
With ten legs and nearly 37,000 nautical miles to be covered, the teams participating in the race will visit eleven different cities. Each port welcoming the participating teams, providing events and activities for the cities residents and guests. It’s a unique opportunity for the sailors, families and support crews to see the world, sharing their passion with new people and cultures.
The Volvo Ocean Race’s home website provides up-to-date information on the teams and events. For individuals interested in following the race or planning a holiday to one of the destinations (stop-overs), it is recommended to click on “ports” and choose one of the cities' links. The race organizers have been working hard to provide information for those who love to travel and enjoy the sport of sailing.
Alicante, Spain Kick's Off Event
The race will begin on October 1st, 2008 from Alicante, Spain with currently seven boats confirmed and one entry engaged in it's own race to make it to the start on time. These teams require a significant amount of funds to afford this event. For some teams, making it to the starting line is harder than the actual race around the world.
Current teams include:
- Ericsson Racing: Two boats entered
- Puma Ocean Racing: One boat entered
- Telefonica Racing: Two boats entered
- Team Russia: One boat entered
- Green Dragon Team: One boat entered
While the teams make final preparations, the race organizers in collaboration with the port city authorities and local businesses will create a race village to entertain the residents and yachting enthusiasts who will flock from all corners to see these 70 foot carbon fiber boats (called a Volvo70). The event's home page is stock full of images, videos and audio from past events and current happenings and a lure to motivate people to see these boats and sailors in person.
Getting to and Staying in Alicante
There are a number of great resources for traveling to Alicante, though highly advised to do so quickly for the cheapest accomodations within walking distance of all the action is booking up quickly.
Once arriving in Alicante keep an eye to the port and look for tall black masts with many flags flying to represent the teams and nations they represent. It's a truly unique reason to visit a beautiful Spanish town.
