Volvo Ocean Race shore team: the team behind the fleet

Behind every team and its Volvo Ocean 65 racing boats, there is an equally experienced and hard-working team ashore to ensure the magic happens. They are the unsung heroes of this event, working 24 hours a day to ensure that the boats are always ready to compete and ready to respond immediately if equipment fails.

Traditionally, each fleet has a dedicated team to support sailboats at each port of call. After the introduction of the exclusive maintenance center, a regular maintenance team consisting of 20-50 people will provide sailboat maintenance services for all participating fleets in the "shipyard".

The fleet no longer needs to summon a large shore team to follow them all the way, because the rules of this year only allow "dockyard" staff to repair and replace components on the racing boat. A fully centralized approach to all shore-based maintenance services reduces the maintenance costs necessary for fleets to maintain sailing performance.

At the "shipyard", the sailboat will be maintained and serviced by the companies and people who originally built and assembled the sailboat. They are as familiar with the sailboat as the back of their own hands.

From the beginning of the unified design of the Volvo Ocean 65 sailboat, Nick Bice, director of the sailboat maintenance center, has already begun to lead this project. Bais also monitored the entire construction process of the sailboat. He now leads the "shipyard" staff and continues to provide centralized services to these sailing ships around the world.

The shore team is different for each fleet. The Shore Team Manager is solely responsible for establishing a team of experts before the fleet sets sail for the event and providing services right up to the final moment when the trophy is lifted. The makeup of each shore team varies based on the fleet's budget and needs.

Here are some of the roles you can find in our shore team: Alicante, a city with over 3,000 years of history, is one of Spain's most important sports, leisure and seaside holiday destinations. Santa Barbara Castle, which stands on the top of the city, is one of the largest medieval castles in Spain. Standing on it, you can overlook the entire city's harbor scenery. The Port of Alicante is the headquarters of the Volvo Ocean Race, and the Volvo Ocean Race Museum has become a reason for many tourists to visit here. Musical events, festivals and other entertainment make the port one of the busiest tourist destinations in the city.

More than 100 beaches along the Valencia coastline have been awarded the Blue Flag, which is an affirmation from the European Union for high quality seawater, beaches and services.

Alicante has a very unique climate, with warm winters and hot summers. The annual average temperature is above 18 degrees Celsius, and there are more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year.

Ix Planda is one of the most beautiful pedestrian streets in Alicante. There are four rows of palm trees on both sides of the street. The floor is paved with 6.6 million marble tiles in three colors to create a wavy mosaic. Pattern. The parks and squares next to the street, especially Canalejas Park at the end of the street, are full of lush plants, including several century-old rubber plants. The romantic Piazza Gabriel Miró and Parque Alta are situated on the slopes of Benacantil Hill, overlooking the bay and the city's outskirts of Palmela. Cape Town is a must-visit tourist destination in the world in 2014. The city was selected into the New York Times' "52 Must-Visit Destinations in 2014" list, ranking even higher than Los Angeles, the Vatican and Seychelles. Ireland Islands.

The New York Times said of Cape Town: "This is the most touching place to commemorate the legendary great man Nelson Mandela", and it also has a rich cultural history, beautiful natural landscapes and diverse cultural customs.

In addition, Cape Town has won a number of top tourism awards, including third place in the "2014 Best Tourism City" by Lonely Planet, and the World Travel Awards. In 2013, Cape Town was listed as the best travel destination in Africa and the "Best Business Meeting Place in Africa", while the Taj Hotel in the CBD was voted "The Best Hotel in Africa". In addition, Cape Town entered the top ten of Condé Nash Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards for the first time in 2013.

Cape Town is an important trading post and an important springboard into the African market. The city's regional economic growth is driven by tourism, finance, infrastructure, food and wine, logistics and innovative industries.

In addition, Cape Town’s current status is also inseparable from the support of urban infrastructure. There are four universities, broadband infrastructure, sports science college, hospitals and medical facilities, as well as numerous hotels. Accommodation facilities such as hotels give it a strong capacity to receive tourists.

Cape Town is a cost-effective destination, an innovative city with an interesting mix of art galleries and collectibles shops - this is why it is the 2014 World Design Capital. Design Capital 2014). In 2013, Discovery Vitality named Cape Town the "Healthiest City in South Africa".

Cape Town also ranked third globally in the "2012-13 Urban Innovation Index", ahead of Kiev, Cairo, Johannesburg and Casablanca. After successfully hosting the Volvo Ocean Race for the first time in 2012, the UAE capital Abu Dhabi returns again for the 2014-15 season. They promise to once again provide people with two weeks of exciting entertainment activities in the New Year of 2015, including concerts, exhibitions, sailing activities and various celebrations.

The Destination Village in the heart of the port of call, located on the breakwater of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, will house the entire fleet and host exciting events, including a water sports center to support the event. .

Getting out on the water is easier than ever with the Middle Eastern country’s growing number of high-quality yacht clubs, sailing clubs and water sports operators.

In addition to the rich celebrations including a welcome ceremony, in-port races, event receptions and top-notch concerts and entertainment, there will also be a showcase of the UAE's rich maritime heritage. Such an experience that combines history and modernity will leave us with long-lasting memories. Sanya's debut in the 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race was perfect. This tropical destination located at the southern tip of China will return again for the 2014-15 season to promote this international tourist city to the world with its rich cultural heritage.

Sanya is famous as "China's Hawaii", with a 209-kilometer long coastline, more than 19 harbors and more than 40 islands.

Sanya, located at the southernmost tip of Hainan Island in China, is a tropical tourist city with international temperament. It has blue sea water, fresh air, beautiful beaches and bright sunshine, and is rich in tropical natural scenery and Historical sites.

Sanya Banshan Peninsula Sailing Port is located on the southern peninsula of Sanya City and is blessed by nature. It offers world-class marina facilities and comprehensive luxury private facilities and services - 325 fully serviced berths for yachts of 10 to 40 meters, a 100-tonne mobile crane in the care and maintenance area, and Famous yacht clubs, hotels, shopping streets and a sailing school. In addition, you can also find designer stores, great restaurants, bars, and even galleries and fashion boutiques here. Sanya Banshan Peninsula Sailing Port is an important part of the Luhuitou luxury resort area.

Within walking distance of Sanya Banshan Peninsula Sailing Port, you can find several high-end hotels, a championship golf course, a cardiovascular hospital and rehabilitation center, an international school, and high-end vacation apartments , as well as the seaside shopping street. In addition, a concert hall, art museum and water park are also on the planning map. Throughout the resort community/residential complex, it is almost self-sufficient and virtually anything you need can be found close by without having to go to downtown Sanya. Auckland is known as the "Sailing Capital of the World". So far, eight Whitebread/Volvo Ocean Races and two America's Cup races have been held. At the same time, it is also the hometown of countless sailing celebrities. The geographical location and climate here provide excellent conditions for sailing. There are also many good bars, restaurants and a lively atmosphere where many people can find happiness and enjoyment on the shore.

Auckland offers unforgettable scenery and vibrant city life, stunning natural playgrounds, fine food and wine, great shopping and plenty of adventure. You can find it all in New Zealand's largest city.

When you understand the incredible perfect harbor environment here, you will understand why it is called the "City of Sailing", so sailing in Auckland is a must-do. From harbor cruising to kayaking, fishing charters, sailing and whale and dolphin watching, you're spoiled for choice. You can also climb up to the volcano on the beautiful island of Rangitoto in the Hauraki Gulf to enjoy the unparalleled sea views, or explore world-class wineries and beaches on Waiheke Island. All will bring you unique visual enjoyment.

Climb up to the "Sky Tower", the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, for a 360-degree view of the city. Warriors can also try the "Sky Bungee Jump" 192 meters above the ground, or walk along the narrow walkway outside the tower. "Sky Walk". There are other adventures waiting for you such as bridge climbing, bungee jumping, jet boating, skydiving, mountain biking and canyoning. Itaga, located on the north-central coast of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, has always been an important port for commerce and tourism.

This attractive, green and extremely livable city, located on the banks of the Itajaí-Acu River, has a unique culture, cuisine, beautiful scenery and an excellent business environment. And famous.

Itaga has the second highest GDP in the state, thanks to natural industrial and port activities, as well as strong transport, logistics, construction, and oil and gas industries.

The integrated port formed by the Port of Itaga and several distribution ports in the same basin is the second largest container shipping port in Brazil.

However, Itaga is far from just a commercial town. With its beautiful beaches and countless outdoor attractions, the city is also a paradise for travelers, such as Brava Beach, Parrot Beach Parrot's Beak, the fairground market and Atalaia Natural Park are all popular.

Itaga is also the most important part of the Verde & Mar seaside tourist area. There are many types of beaches in this area for tourists to choose from, or go to a quiet place, stroll to the city, or walk into Far off the beaten track... all these beaches have a charm that is unique to Santa Catarina.

Thanks to its unique characteristics and its adherence to the concepts of environmental friendliness, social responsibility and economic sustainable development, Itaga has become a popular city for hosting medium and large-scale events. Since 1639, Newport's breathtaking scenery and world-class sailing venues have attracted tourists and sailors from all over the world. This seaside city features stunning coastal views, quaint Colonial and New England-style architecture, and a thriving waterfront packed with restaurants, bars, galleries, and boutiques that attracts every visitor. .

For those who care about architecture, design and history, Newport offers Gilded Age mansions, amazing museums and many refurbished captain's residences, as well as many tours that showcase the charm of the colonial era.

Newport, located on the coast of North America, is surrounded by three bodies of water: Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island Sound and the Sakonnet River. It has great water views. Newport's sailing history plays a central role in American historic and contemporary sailing, and this quaint harbor is filled with a wide variety of yachts and sailing ships, from classic sailing ships and schooners to restored rum smuggling ships. It has everything, and it is also a gathering place for the most legendary 12-meter sailboats. Many classic 12-meter sailboats are docked here, including: Weatherly, Heritage, Northern Light, Nefertiti, Gleam, American Eagle, Intrepid, Courageous, etc.

Nearly every type of sailing race has been held in Newport over the past few decades, including Olympic Trials, Superyacht Races, long-distance races such as the Newport to Bermuda Race , America's Cup World Series, etc. Events cover handicap systems, classics and uniform design competitions, including many local, national and international championships.

As one of the busiest ports on the East Coast, Newport is also home to many of the world’s most famous superyachts. Today, nine yacht clubs form the local sailing community, and the public sailing center Sail Newport is the organizer of this port of call. They host hundreds of sailing events and seasonal regattas every year. Sailing is a way of life in the city, and many people make a living from sailing, fishing and other maritime commerce.

The Newport port of call is set against the backdrop of the historic site of Fort Adams, the largest coastal fortification in the United States. Lisbon has a unique style, with its cool and modern appearance colliding with influences from different cultures throughout its 800-year history. This picturesque city, full of emotion and charm, will welcome you for the second time in the 2014-15 season as a port of call for the Volvo Ocean Race.

This Portuguese capital is one of the greatest historical cities in the world because it was the starting point of the Age of Discovery in the 15th century. Today, different periods and cultures intersect here in a vibrant and eye-opening way.

The historic Old Town in the city center is a must-visit attraction for all visitors to Lisbon. The architecture here is indeed outstanding, but it is in the surrounding areas of the city, such as Bairro Alto, Gra?a and Chiado, that you can truly appreciate and remember the spirit of Lisbon by experiencing the humanities and atmosphere there.

Go south until you reach the seaside. Belém is also a tourist area not to be missed in Lisbon. It was from here that Vasco da Gama set out to explore the route to India, and you can smell the atmosphere of the ancient empire from this area. The Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, Maritime Monument and Belem Cultural Center are must-see attractions for every tourist.

Across the city of Lisbon, the Park of Nations, which hosted the World Expo in 1998, has now become a lively public tourist area like the city and river area. It has a wide and immaculate waterfront area with magnificent views across the river, as well as the Vasco da Gama Bridge, the longest cable bridge in Europe. Completed in 1998, the bridge is more than 17 miles long and remains one of the longest and best-engineered bridges in the world. The rich and long-standing maritime heritage means that Lorient is a city born for the maritime industry, and the town and its surrounding areas benefit from this and take the opportunity to continuously develop tourism and maritime activities here.

As an example, the old submarine base here has become one of the main tourist attractions in France, and the charming building made of glass and steel, the Eric Tabari Nautical Museum ( Eric Tabarly Museum), was built specifically to commemorate France's greatest sailor.

It took less than 10 years for Lorient to grow into a world-class leisure yachting and offshore racing destination. Today there are 3,000 berths built specifically for leisure yachts, as well as a 1-kilometer-long floating dock built for the "Ocean F1" event. All primary school students can take free sailing lessons at school, and there are as many as 1,300 jobs in the sailing industry in the city.

It is all of the above conditions, coupled with the successive settlement of the world's top sailing races including the Volvo Ocean Race, that makes this Brittany town, the third largest with only 200,000 permanent residents, It has entered the world navigation map and stands with cities like Auckland, Sydney, Newport and Cape Town.

The people of Lorient are full of energy and creativity, both in sports and culture. The International Celtic Festival attracts 700,000 visitors every summer to participate in this cultural celebration, and sailing, cycling and football are also very popular. With Lorient promoted to Ligue 1, the charm of this town has been elevated to another level. In 2010, Lorient was named "The Best Sports Town in France".

The Lorient region is a treasure trove of a naturally sheltered harbor, home to thousands of migrating birds every year, while also retaining a large number of native native plants. The coastal wilderness, sandy beaches, streams and mineral deposits of Groix are the geographical lifeblood of Brittany; the dunes of Gavry from the dunes of Cuguelle to the marshes of the Lodge make this region famous for its beauty. As you travel along the seaside or in the countryside, long stretches of white sandy beaches, hidden streams and valleys will unfold their beauty for you. The Hague will appear on the Volvo Ocean Race route for the first time in the 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race.

This city is home to many international institutions, including the International Court of Justice, and it is also the seat of the Dutch government and parliament. The city has already hosted the World Hockey Championship in 2014 and will also host the World Beach Volleyball Championship when the current Volvo Ocean Race docks in port.

The Hague is a popular seaside holiday destination with a long tradition of sailing and water sports. It attracts more than one million tourists from all over the world every year, making it the second largest seaside resort in the Netherlands. Amsterdam's second largest tourist destination. Gothenburg, Sweden's second largest city, is located on the country's west coast. It only takes 30 minutes to take a tram from the city center to the famous Gothenburg Islands. The city of Gothenburg was founded in 1621 by Gustav Adolf II. Since its establishment, it has become an important shipping and industrial city, and has also become a capital of innovation. Today, the city is home to many world-class companies in marketing, architecture, web design and film special effects.

The urban atmosphere here is easy-going and sincere, and people can feel the strong coffee culture here in the boutique cafes everywhere. Gothenburg fashion is characterized by being casual yet stylish. Of course, it's right next to a dazzling array of clothing and design boutiques, as well as a plethora of local designer and antique stores.

The Port of Gothenburg is the largest seaport in Scandinavia. Almost 30% of Sweden's foreign trade is conducted through this port. It can provide a very rich route to more than 140 destinations around the world. For example, there are direct routes to the United States, the Middle East, India and other countries in Asia. The Port of Gothenburg is also world-renowned for its forward-thinking environmental work.