More Volvo for Alicante

Spanish sailors outnumber all others

The prestigious Volvo Ocean Race is moving lock, stock and spinnaker to Alicante. The organisers of the round the world event have reached an agreement with the City of Alicante to have the race start and finish there for the next three years.

Photo by Dave Kneale - Alicante port for the start of the race

The headquarters of the the race will also move to Alicante from its present home in Hampshire, where it's been since 1998. The move is not only for economic reasons, but also to reinforce ties with the stopover points in the race. Alicante was chosen partially because of Spain's commitment to the race, as Spanish sailors outnumber all others in the event.

The agreement with Alicante includes the construction of a race museum and interactive exhibition that celebrates the 36-year history and heritage of the race and phase 1 should be completed by 2010.

Published 3 June 2009 Stephen White.

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