Volvo Ocean Race: "Now get out there and have fun!"

An expectant atmosphere prevailed in Alicante on Saturday. While the tense sailing world gazed at the Spanish coastal town, the visitors on site enjoyed a successful show programme and the first "sabre rattling" of the seven participating teams, who first presented themselves to their fans in a parade before setting off on their VO-65 yachts for the in-port race. Just how intelligent and modern the new yachts are built could be seen at a glance in the harbour and on the water in direct comparison with some well-known predecessors such as the legendary "Flyer", but also "Djuice", "Pirates of the Caribbean" or "Brasil".

The Volvo Ocean Race Museum in Alicante, which is permanently based there and was particularly busy this weekend, provides an even deeper insight into the history of the race. The organisers also served up live acts such as the "Grinder Experience" or the sailing simulator for young and old sailors in the Race Village. One of the crowd-pullers was a full-size VO-65 racer cut in half lengthways, where thousands of visitors stopped with wide eyes to see exactly how the crews work and live below deck during their missions. The motto of the day, which marked the official start of the twelfth edition of the most famous team race around the world, was delivered by Team Brunel's skipper Bouwe Bekking in a short speech to his crew: "You have worked hard for many months. Now go out there and have fun!"

The international team flying the Dutch flag had it at the start, even if it wasn't enough for a prestigious victory in the show race. Bouwe Bekking's Team Brunel took fourth place in the in-port race, the result of which is no longer included in the overall standings as it used to be, but may still serve as a small indication of the potential performance of the teams. The women's team SCA and Team Vestas delivered a weak performance. Team Alvimedica secured victory ahead of Ian Walker's Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and the Spanish "Mapfre". The boats impressed their observers in the short race more than the results and, as sporting projectiles, promised great sailing for the coming months.

Repeat In-Port-Race Alicante

And even for the next few years. Volvo Ocean Race boss Knut Frostad took the opening of the race as an opportunity to announce the next 13th edition of the classic. Frostad also said: "I have never been more optimistic than today. It is the attitude towards this race that has made the biggest change. It reminds me of the times when I was a young sailor and started out. The teams have realised that sharing works. I am very optimistic about future editions."

The first leg of the nine-month, 38,739-nautical-mile race around the globe begins on 11 October. The teams have one week to prepare for the endurance test for man and material before they set sail for Cape Town. The first exchange of blows will last three to four weeks.