Alicante, Spain - The spectacular new Volvo Ocean Race Trophy was unveiled in Race Headquarters, Alicante, in front of representatives from all 10 host ports, the racing teams, local authorities and race sponsors. This event crowns the first night of the Volvo Ocean Race conference for the 2011 - 12 edition of the race.
As with the Olympic Games, there is no financial reward for winning this 37,000 nautical-mile race around the world, but this beautifully designed trophy symbolizes the glory of winning what is still one of the most extreme challenges in the world of sport. Just competing in the Race represents an achievement, with success meaning everything to those who have achieved it.
Mike Sanderson, skipper of ABN AMRO ONE in 2005-06 epitomised this when, after crossing the final finish line in Gothenburg, he said, "This is my Olympic Gold, my Mount Everest, my childhood dream."
The final design of the new Volvo Ocean Race Trophy is a product of a highly fought over bidding process, which Spanish company Proximma Comunicación won. The trophy, which stands 70cm high and weighs nine kilos, comprises 11 wave-shaped rings, each one representing an edition of the race. A new ring will be added after every future edition. Through the masts supporting the rings, there is a glimpse of the blue ocean hidden inside.
Made of aluminum and silver plate, this trophy represents a modern yet legendary race, which has a heritage of 37 years. Leading edge design, satellite communication, technology and innovation have always played an important role in the development of the event and the new trophy reflects this.
Engraved on each ring, is the year of the race and the route, together with the name of the winning boat and her skipper. The eleventh ring will be engraved at the end of the event when it finishes in Galway in the summer of 2012.
"We think that the new Volvo Ocean Race Trophy encapsulates all the facets of the Race," emphasises Knut Frostad, CEO Volvo Ocean Race. "It is a distinctive trophy and with its modern feel, it shows how forward thinking the race is. Yet the rings representing the past editions, depict our pride in our legacy and heritage. "
For media information on the Volvo Ocean Race, please contact:
Sophie Luther - Communications Manager (in Spain)
Tel + 34 966 011 152 Mob +34 606 894 940
Sophie.Luther@VolvoOceanRace.com
Lizzie (Green) Ward - Press Officer (in UK)
Mob +44 7801 185 320
Lizzie.Ward@VolvoOceanRace.com
Christina Gaither- Press Assistant (Spanish language)
Tel + 34 966 011 158 Mob +34 676 675 931
Christina.Gaither@VolvoOceanRace.com
Images
High resolution images can be downloaded from http://images.volvooceanrace.org
Tim Stonton, Picture Desk Manager (in Spain)
Tel +34 966 011 151 Mob +34 606 905 497
tim.stonton@volvooceanrace.com
Full press information can be read and downloaded from http://press.volvooceanrace.com
Broadcast
Please visit www.thenewsmarket.com/volvooceanrace
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Editors' Notes: The Volvo Ocean Race