Team AkzoNobel (6 men/2 women)
Team AkzoNobel, led by Dutchman Brad Jackson, was the first team announced for the 2017-18 edition. With a lot of experience, and the support of the leading coatings and paint company AkzoNobel, they are the only team that will be sailing aboard a brand new Volvo Ocean 65.
Team Brunel (8 men/2 women)
Team Brunel is back in the Volvo Ocean Race after flirting with victory in 2014-15, having done everything possible to overtake Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing. Once again the team is led by the tireless Bouwe Bekking, already a racing legend and a true Volvo Ocean Race addict.
Brunel, the Dutch project management, recruitment and consultancy company is also making history, with a first campaign in 1997-98.
Dongfeng Race Team (10 men/2 women)
Dongfeng Race Team is back for a second consecutive participation, with the inspirational Charles Caudrelier, the French skipper who led his crew beyond expectations by achieving a podium finish in 2014-15. This time, the team is 100% supported by Dongfeng Motor Corporation, the Chinese manufacturer, whose headquarters are located in the city of Wuhan, in the heart of Hubei province - and who is once again determined to develop sailing in China.
Charles Caudrelier's mixed crew once again includes Chinese sailors - and the Frenchman has reinforced his troops with world-class international sailors on board.
MAPFRE (9 men/2 women)
MAPFRE is back in the Volvo Ocean Race, and their objective is crystal clear! To win the Trophy, and bring it back to Spain for the first time in the history of the race. Skipper Xabi Fernández has also chosen a mixed crew, which is brimming with talent! Olympic gold medallists, America's Cup winners, and some of the best sailors in ocean racing... After a fourth place last time, it is fair to say that MAPFRE is coming back stronger than ever in 2017-18.
Sun Hung Kai / Scallywag (9 men/1 woman)
Representing Hong Kong, the Sun Hung kai Scallywag team is led by the experienced David Witt, and comes into the race with the additional goal of promoting sailing in Asia by extending the existing heritage.
The team is supported by Seng Huang Lee and Sun Hung Kai & Co, and will be made up of sailors who have already sailed a lot together with a leader - David Witt - who knows the race well, having competed in it 20 years ago on Innovation Kvaerner.
Turn The Tide on Plastic (8 men/6 women)
Turn the Tide on Plastic is a 100% mixed crew, mostly young, and focuses its message on sustainable development. The team will be led by Dee Caffari from the UK.
The campaign will be supported by the Mirpuri Foundation, as well as the Ocean Family Foundation, and is dedicated to the health of our oceans. The crew's mission is to amplify the United Nations message 'Clean Seas: Turn the Tide on Plastic'.
Dee Caffari will have an international crew, with as many women as men on board, and a majority of sailors under the age of 30.
11th Hour Racing Jackets (8 men/3 women)
Vestas is back in the Volvo Ocean Race after their incredible story against the elements in 2014-15. This time their campaign is in partnership with 11 th Hour Racing, a programme of the Schmidt Family Foundation, which works on the state and health of the Oceans.
Vestas 11th Hour Racing will be led by the American duo of Charlie Enright and Marc Towill, who have already tasted the 2014-15 race with Team Alvimedica. They finished on a very positive note, with a stage victory in the grand finale in Gothenburg. For this new edition, they will have a double objective: to perform on the water, but also outside it by transmitting a message of sustainable development around the world.
