The Volvo Ocean Race 2005-06, the world's
premier ocean race, kicks off tomorrow with the first in-port race in
Sanxenxo, Spain. The in-port races are one of the most exciting new
additions to this year's event, drawing on a different skill set to ocean
racing and counting for over 20% of the overall points. After a great day
on the water yesterday, Ericsson skipper Neal McDonald (GBR) and his team
are looking forward to the challenge.
McDonald commented: "The new Volvo
70 boats are a big leap in technology. They are faster, more powerful and
will be a big challenge to race around the buoys." He continued: "It will
be the difference between a sprint and an endurance race. When we start the
inshore race we know that it will be over in three to four hours so we will
give it all we've got."
John Kostecki (US), winner of the
last Volvo Ocean Race, is tactician on Ericsson for the in-port races.
"These boats are different animals to the Volvo 60's and will be quite a
challenge to handle round the marks. It will be difficult to get the
spinnaker up and down quickly so we will rely on timing and anticipation.
Our training these past few weeks has been very much focused on maneuver
training and the team seems to work well together."
Despite the light to variable
breezes forecast on Saturday, Kostecki is hoping for some good wind: "These
boats are pretty exciting when the wind picks up, so I hope for some good
breeze and we can put on an exciting show!"
The first leg to Cape Town, South
Africa, begins on 12 November, from the neighbouring port of Vigo. From
there, the race will visit ten ports in eight countries and cross four
oceans, before finishing in Gothenburg, Sweden 32,250 nautical miles later,
on 17 June 2006.