This would be the first time in the history of the race, which has existed since 1973 (formerly known as the Whitbread Round the World Race), that a Danish boat would be at the start. The skipper is rumoured to be New Zealander Chris Nicholson, who led the Spanish/New Zealand joint venture "Camper" to second place in the last race. Nicholson was last rumoured to be the skipper of a cooperation between the Spaniard Pedro Campos and Team New Zealand. The deal did not materialise, the enterprising Campos now has his own independent Spanish team at the start, Team New Zealand is not involved.
With the Vestas boat, the fleet would comprise seven boats. The following teams are already in place: Alvimedica 4/USA/Turkey; Azzam/Abu Dhabi, Brunel/Holland, Dongfeng/China, SCA/Sweden, Team Campos/Spain
The Volvo Ocean Race begins on 4 October with the In-Port Race in Alicante/Spain. The starting signal for the first leg is given on 11 October. The race covers 39,000 nautical miles and nine legs to the destination harbour of Gothenburg.
Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT
