A Driving Force Behind Ocean Racing

The local sports minister placed special emphasis on Galicia's excellent conditions as the starting line for this important competition, with her sports department wishing to transmit 'the philosophy of an innovative competition, not only in terms of the boats and the route, but also through communications that will bring yachting closer to spectators the world over'.

This year will see Galicia converted into the logistical centre of worldwide yachting. During her presentation, Pilar ROJO also referred to Galicia's previous involvement in the history of the Volvo Ocean Race, making special reference to the third prize won by Javier de la Gándara, aboard the 'Galicia 93 Pescanova', representing the highest place achieved by a Spanish yacht in the event. She also mentioned how last year's winner, Illsbruck Challenge, chose the Galician port of Sanxenxo to prepare for the race.

Pilar ROJO was accompanied at the presentation by the Xunta's director general of sport, José Ramón LETE LASA, and by the chief executive of the Volvo Ocean Race, Glenn BOURKE, who revealed that preparations for the 12 of November are already underway in Vigo. Bourke also said that 'the start of the Volvo Ocean Race will be a marvellous event for all of those involved', as 'it is already possible to see the enthusiasm amongst the local population for becoming hosts of the event'.

The chief executive of the Volvo Ocean Race affirmed that 'Galicia has a beauty that has still to be discovered', meaning that the start of the round the world yacht race will be an excellent occasion for visitors of all nationalities to enjoy the culture, food, history and landscape of Galicia. Glenn BOURKE also affirmed his confidence in seeing 'one of the most memorable starts in the history of the event', and praised the organisation and collaboration of the Xunta, as well as the support from Spanish teams for this worldwide yachting event.