Issue date
From the blessing of the site, the opening of the Race Village, MAPFRE’s winning of Leg 4, The New Zealand Herald In-Port Race, Cyclone Pam, the delayed departure of the fleet and the breakdown and handover of the Race Village, it’s been eventful, it’s been fun, it’s been engaging, it’s been diverse and it’ll be back in 2018.
General Manager Grant Calder said the event was a huge success despite the enforced closure of the 17 day event a day early due to Cyclone Pam. “From Day 1 when the Race Village opened, people flocked through the Village. The activities Volvo Ocean Race brought to town, along with our own free entertainment schedule, schools programme and kids’ activities ensured there was something for everyone. We couldn’t have done it without the support of all our volunteers, sponsors and stakeholders, and thank them for this.”
Peter Ansell, Head of Host Port Operations for Volvo Ocean Race SLU, said it was a remarkable stopover. “New Zealanders and Aucklanders have a real interest in and knowledge about this Race which we don’t get everywhere. The welcome and hospitality shown to us in Auckland has been truly wonderful. Especially after the interruption of Cyclone Pam.”
Peter said “The Race Village fitted perfectly into the CBD site. From Eastern Viaduct through to The Boatyard, the Team Bases and the Members Lounge on Halsey Wharf, we couldn’t have asked for a better or more natural space. We look forward to returning in 2018.”
The fleet is now well on the way to the tough Southern Ocean and Itajai, Brazil. Latest reports from Volvo Ocean Race are that the expected arrival time in Itajai is around 4 April.
Final reports on the event are due later in the year, however here are some interesting facts and stats from the Auckland Stopover:
- 16 days the Race Village was open
- 440 people registered to Volunteer
- 15,000 hours worked by Volunteers throughout the event
- 67 hours delay to start of Leg 5 due to weather
- 13 days to build the Race Village
- 6 days to de-construct the Race Village
- 2.0 km of internet cable laid around the Race Village
- 176 hours of entertainment on the Main Stage
- 57 Volvo Ocean Race sailors arrived in Auckland on 28 February / 1 March
- 7 hrs 1 min 5 sec between arrival of MAPFRE (winner of Leg 4) and the last boat to arrive in Auckland
- 2.2 km of fencing implemented around the Race Village
- 104 40' shipping containers to build the Race Village
- more than 2,400 people went sailing with Yachting New Zealand "Volvo Sailing ... Have a Go!"
- 32 kids from around New Zealand took part in the sailing academy representing 8 teams
- more than 8,500 meals provided to volunteers, teams and Volvo Ocean Race staff
