Volvo Ocean Race

We had the honour and opportunity to have a special tour inside the Volvo Ocean Race Command Centre, which is located in the Volvo Ocean Museum in Alicante. We began our tour going through the administration area before heading into the command centre.

View of the support administration area for the Volvo Ocean Race command centre

We entered into the command centre which is located in a secure glass enclosed area. Inside the command centre there were staff monitoring the race 24 hours a day.

View of a section of the command centre of the Volvo Ocean Race

We gathered around the command centre while our guide explained some of the operations of the centre. They monitor each boat in the race tracking them in real-time by satellite.

Some of the overhead monitors in the command centre.

They are also in radio contact with each boat. During the race the boats make videos of their activities and send them back to the command centre.

Staff reviewing a video from one of the race boats.

The videos are edited and finalized in the command centre before being put online. There are stories about everyday life on the boat and stories of unique experiences they have during the race. One experience was a “ghost ship”, found by one of the Volvo Ocean Boats. They located an abandoned sailboat approximately 360 miles east of Guam on February 13, 2018. It was the SV Sea Nymph abandoned by Jennifer Appel and her crew member Tasha Fuiava nearly 3 to 4 months earlier on October 25, 2017.

https://youtu.be/L9OgNgiE2MA

We spent about an hour touring the command centre and learning about the logistical challenges of coordinating a world race. The race encompasses twelve countries over six continents and takes nine months to complete. We found the logistics of coordinating the race very interesting.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”

The Volvo Ocean race takes place every three years. This year is the start of the race is in Alicante.

We took in some of the pre-race activities during the time the Volvo Ocean Race was in Alicante. We went down to the pier and walked through the different pavilions.

They had interactive activities for the children.

Computer simulation for sailing which children used to practice their sailing skills.

There was even a full size replica of the sail boat which was cut through the middle to provide a view of the interior of the racing boat.

Interior of race boat design used in Volvo race

Interior of racing boat design where children could explore the boat

We walked along the pavilions checking out the displays and activities. It was an interesting day looking at the different aspects of the Volvo Ocean Race.

The following day we went out on the Mediterranean to watch a trial race by the Volvo Ocean teams. We went out on our friends sailboat and enjoyed the view from the sea.

There were many other boats on the water also watching the race.

Volvo Ocean Race Sailboats during preliminary race in Alicante

We followed along the race route enjoying the spectacular views of the sailboats.

It was a very enjoyable way to see the sailboats racing. We even managed to get very close to the Volvo ocean sailboats.

Close view of the crew of the Volvo Ocean sailboat Brunel

It was a great day of sailing along with the Volvo Ocean Race sailboats.

The official race day was October 22nd and we went to watch the race at a friends apartment. The apartment is located on the 20th floor and the view was spectacular. We could see the entire race from a different vantage point.