Volvo Ocean Race reaches Cape Town
Volvo Ocean Race has reached Cape Town. First across the line was Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing. The first leg of the race has now been completed, bringing it one step closer to the finishing line in Gothenburg, Port of Gothenburg said in its press release.
25 days. That was how long it took for the winning boat, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, to reach Cape Town after setting sail from Alicante. Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing crossed the finishing line first, closely followed by Dongfeng Race Team with Swede Martin Strömberg as a crew member. Just a few hours later, Team Alvimedica crossed the line. The other four boats are still competing. The Swedish team SCA is currently furthest away from Cape Town.
The boats are now in the Cape Town Race Village. The in-port race is scheduled for November 15. A 'race within a race', it will give the winning team vital points that could prove crucial in the closing stages of the battle for the Volvo Ocean Race trophy. The second leg is due to get underway on November 19. The next stop is Abu Dhabi.
"It is enormously exciting to follow the voyage that these seven boats are undertaking. Our hope is that the Swedish Team SCA will be able make up time during the next leg," said Magnus Kårestedt, Port of Gothenburg Chief Executive.
The Port of Cape Town and the Port of Gothenburg have been sister ports for more than 20 years. Exports from Sweden to South Africa consist of vehicles, machinery and forest products. Imports are largely made up of fruit, beverages and food products.
The race will end in Gothenburg on Sunday, June 21. The Port of Gothenburg is the official homecoming partner for the Volvo Ocean Race.
Magnus Kårestedt continued: "It is extremely enjoyable to be part of this incredible round-the-world race. We want to showcase our role as the port of Scandinavia."
