Volvo continues its role as sponsor
The next edition of the crewed round-the-world race in 2021 will no longer be organised by Volvo Group and Volvo Cars, who have co-owned the event for 20 years now. The Swedish automobile group has just sold the Volvo Ocean Race to Atlant Ocean Racing Spain, led by Richard Brisius, Johan Salén and Jan Litborn. This Spanish event company is based in Las Palmas, in the Canary Islands. Volvo Cars will remain a sponsor of the 2021 edition, and discussions are currently underway with the stopover towns and other sponsors who would be included in the next edition.
"The Volvo Ocean Race has been an excellent support to build customer relationships, strengthen the Volvo brand and present our company and products to a global audience." said Kina Wileke, Executive Vice President of Communications for Volvo Group. "After 20 years, we feel it is time for us to hand over the reins to a new owner with the skills to lead this prestigious competition, with the experience and understanding to take this event even further. Volvo Car will continue to support the next edition of the race as a sponsor, with an emphasis on sustainability added Björn Annwall, Senior Vice President for Volvo Car.
Known repeaters of the race
Brisius, Salén, and Litborn are no strangers to the prestigious round-the-world race, having been involved in seven campaigns in the last 28 years. Brisius and Salén started as sailors in the 1989-90 edition, before winning it as team managers, with EF Language (1997-98) and Ericsson 4 (2008-09). More recently, they managed Team SCA, the women's team that took part in the last edition of the race (2016). Finally, in December 2017, the two men were appointed President and Co-President of this edition of the Volvo Ocean Race.
"The history of this round-the-world race is inspiring and the future looks very promising. Humans are at the centre of this race and I am moved to serve some of the world's best athletes and sports professionals, as well as the race's main partners and stage cities. I am happy to see that many of my dreams have come true. Firstly, my dream of participating in this race, then my dream of becoming a team manager, followed by my dream of managing the race and finally being at the helm for the future. We are committed to the long term, and are determined that the race will continue to grow as a major global sporting event. I am looking forward to taking part in the evolution of this unique race, working with the teams, the stage cities, Volvo and our key partners said Richard Brisius.
One race for two classes of boats
For the next edition, the organisers would like to have two kinds of boats. The Volvo Ocean 65 on the one hand and another class of boat that has yet to be defined. Could it be the famous IMOCA's, which we know the class players have agreed to .
"We will continue to innovate, and it's promising to know that from day one we can think long term, as we already have the resources to secure the next race. Opening up the race to another existing class would allow us to tap into a range of boats that can circumnavigate the world, at the cutting edge of technology. We see this as a way to challenge the best sailors in the world with a class that encourages development and is at the forefront of our sport said Johan Salén.
