Councillor Mike Hancock said, "Portsmouth is delighted to have been chosen as the UK stopover port for the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-06. Bringing this famous race back to its original home, Gunwharf Quays, will be a major event in 2006."
After leaving Portsmouth on June 3, the fleet will race westwards down the English Channel and sail 1,500 nautical miles around Britain and Ireland to arrive in Rotterdam, the European Capital of Sport in 2005, on June 9.
The Kop van Zuid in the centre of Rotterdam will most probably host the finish of this leg. With easy and direct access to the sea, Rotterdam will also host the final, and possibly the most exciting, in-port race on June 11, as well as the start of the finishing leg of the event on June 15.
Mayor Ivo Opstelten said: "The 'Volvo' is a truly world class event - an ultimate test of technology, sporting skill and teamwork. These amazing boats, the world-class sailors, their back up teams and their sponsors will be our guests for seven days."
The climax of the event will be the start of the 500 miles to Gothenburg, Sweden on June 15. Gothenburg hosted one of the best stopovers during 2002 and is the home of Volvo.
Volvo Ocean Race CEO, Glenn Bourke, said: "The final three ports are steeped in maritime history, have a phenomenal sailing heritage, an inbuilt love of the sport and a strong relationship with the race, a combination which will give the race the final impetus needed as it enters its final and most exciting stage. "
The Volvo Ocean Race starts in Galicia, Spain on November 5, 2005. From Spain the fleet will race to Cape Town, Melbourne, Wellington, Rio de Janeiro, Baltimore/ Annapolis, New York, Portsmouth, Rotterdam and finally ending at Gothenburg, Sweden.
