The next edition of offshore sailing event, the Volvo Ocean Race, will take place in the late summer/autumn of 2011.
Details on the exact timing and route will be announced in 2010. It is the first time in the history of the Volvo Ocean Race that the next iteration of the race has been announced before the start of the current event. The decision is in direct response to prospective teams for the 2011-12 race requesting adequate time to prepare projects.
CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, Knut Frostad, made the announcement at a press conference in Alicante. Speaking to reporters, he said: “I am pleased that we can today announce that the next Volvo Ocean Race [formerly The Whitbread Round the World Race] will start in 2011. To be able to grow our event and continue to attract the very best sailors in the world, we need to ensure continuity. One of our key objectives today is to start the planning process as early as possible for the next race. This is essential for all the teams and partners involved.”
In partnership with Boston Consulting Group, the current race format and structure is being evaluated with the aim of identifying areas for improved operational efficiency and innovation. An environmental audit, in conjunction with risk management specialists DNV (Det Norske Veritas), is also in place which includes discussions with sailors, teams, sponsors and designers to safeguard the sustainability of the race.
The Volvo Open 70 Class, the world’s fastest monohull, which made its record-breaking race debut in 2005-06, will again be the class for 2011-12. The aim is to ensure further reliability and contain costs while maintaining the Volvo Open 70’s status as the most technically-advanced ocean racing yacht.
