Bigger, better and more fun.
Last year’s major Scandinavian offshore race, the Volvo Baltic Race, is coming back this summer in a different form.
More stop-overs and longer legs, more competition and more spectator-friendly events are just some of the changes.
This time, the race will start in Göteborg, and continue via Copenhagen, Kiel and Warnemünde, to the finish at Sandhamn. During the race, the boats will also take part in Kiel Week, the Round Gotland Race and in several in-port races. The public will have a chance to see the spectacular V.O.60 boats, which have already circumnavigated the globe, at close range. This opportunity is otherwise only available at the starts and finishes of the Volvo Ocean Race.
One of the main changes is taking place on land. In Göteborg, Copenhagen and Stockholm, there will be large leisure areas with restaurants, beer-bars, live stage acts and giant-screen TV, which will also show Sweden’s matches against Italy and Denmark in the European Cup in football. In Göteborg, Copenhagen and Stockholm, Joe Labero will be present with his own vessel, the "Ship of Illusions" and will offer world-class entertainment.
Just like last year, the main event is offshore sailing at the highest level. Last year’s success has ensured that the reputation of the race has spread among professional sailors, and many are interested in taking part. So it is likely that several of the veterans of the Volvo Ocean Race will be on the starting line on 19 June in Göteborg. Three tough weeks later, on 7 July, the winner will cross the line in Sandhamn. Thomas Blixt with Sony Ericsson, and Mathew Humphries with Elanders have already accepted the challenge, and are two of the favourites in this summer’s Volvo Baltic Race.
“Volvo has very quickly become perhaps the most important and long-term player in ocean racing, and with the Volvo Baltic Race they have neatly bridged the gap between the Volvo Ocean Races. Many have tried this before, but none have succeeded,” says Gurra Krantz, owner of the winning yacht in last year’s Volvo Baltic Race.
”Last year’s race was really dramatic, with storm-force winds and speeds over 30 knots. It was one the most enjoyable and toughest yacht races I have ever taken part in”, says skipper Matthew Humphries, Volvo Ocean Race veteran and second-placed in last year’s race, who was beaten on the line by a single point.
Preliminary legs:
June 17 Göteborg Registration at Race Village opens
June 19 Göteborg Start 1 Short coastal/open sea course
June 20 Göteborg Start 2 for Copenhagen
June 21 Copenhagen Leg finishes at Race Village Nyhamn
June23 Copenhagen Start 3 for Kiel
June 24 Kiel Leg finishes during Kiel Week
June 25 Kiel Start 4 for Warnemümde
June 27 Warnemünde Start 5 for Sandhamn
June 29 Sandhamn Finish
July 1-3 Stockholm Parade of Sail in Stockholm
July 4 Sandhamn Start 6 Round Gotland Race
July 7 Sandhamn Final races
July 8 Stockholm Prize giving
50210/MB
