Volvo ocean race (2008-2009) started from [Alicante, Spain] to [Saint Petersburg, Russia]
Source: volvooceanrace.org
‘Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race’ which was taken over by Volvo from 2001 and renamed to ‘VOLVO OCEAN RACE’ (worlds number one yachting race) made a stopover here at Kochi (Cochi)….
Glenn Bourke, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race commented: “It has always been part of our vision to take the race to different and wider audiences and we are delighted that Kochi has become part of that vision. India not only presents huge opportunities for the development of the event, but this coupled with the daunting challenges the competitors will face when racing their grand prix yachts in unfamiliar waters, will make the visit to India even more exciting for everyone involved. India has hundreds of millions of enthusiastic sports fans and we know they will enjoy this challenging race, with its passion, teamwork, adventure and excitement.”
We (Indians/Keralites) are all proud to hear that, Volvo ocean race has selected Kochi (Cochi) as one of their stopover city.
Volvo ocean race arrived at Kochi (Cochi) from Cape Town on December 03/08
Crew members of Volvo ocean race in a speed boat, when they reached Kochi (cochi)
Photo taken by my friend Bhaskar Krishnan
Photo taken by my friend Bhaskar Krishnan
Cochin port trust in association with Kerala tourism has played an amazing role to host the Volvo ocean race stopover.
In around 2.5 acres of land, a race village was set up near the BTP berth at Willingdon Island (Kochi) and various events were organized like ‘Navy Cup Regatta’, ‘Sail Boat Race’ ‘Snake Boat Race’ ‘Mini Pooram’ ‘Kathakali’ ‘Kolkali’, ‘Mohiniyattom’, ‘Kalaripayattu’ ect. to entertain the crew members of Volvo ocean race.
Major luxury cruise vessels with international cruise tourists arrived at Kochi during Volvo ocean race includes ‘Celebrity Quest’, ‘nautical’ ‘legend of the seas’ and ‘Seabourne Spirit’.
Since Kochi is growing as a major cruise tourism destination, Volvo ocean race will definitely help Kochi to uplift its current position in cruise tourism industry.
Kochi port trust and kerala tourism industry has taken this as a golden opportunity to showcase their facilities and management capabilities in tourism industry and thus to explore their real potential.
The official website of Volvo ocean race cochi : http://volvoracecochin.com
Volvo ocean race official press information about “Kochi in India to host Volvo Ocean Race for first time” : http://press.volvooceanrace.org/?p=86
