Please select your home edition
Edition
Selden 2020 - LEADERBOARD

Volvo Ocean Race - Dongfeng Racing take delivery of their VO65

by Jonno Turner on 29 Dec 2016
Charles Caudrelier, Skipper from Dongfeng Race Team visit the Boatyard facilities in Lisbon where their boat has been refited and is getting ready to be launched. Amalia Infante / Volvo Ocean Race
After an outstanding result in the Rolex Sydney Hobart, Dongfeng Racing now turn to the 2017/18 Volvo Ocean Race which gets underway in ten months time.

Just before Christmas the team took delivery of their good as new, refitted Volvo Ocean 65.

Dongfeng Race Team skipper Charles Caudrelier visited the Boatyard in Lisbon, Portugal, before heading for the Rolex Sydney Hobart to get a sneak peek at the progress made on his team's boat.

As part of a €1 million per boat refit process, the 2014-15 boats are being completely upgraded – with new paint jobs, new deck gear and new electronics amongst the parts being refreshed ahead of what will be a gruelling 2017-18 edition.

The Boatyard employs a crew of boatbuilding experts who have spent hours making sure that every inch of the boat is designed for speed, safety and, of course, looks pretty cool, too.


With seven boats set to go through the refit process, and another being built from scratch at Persico Marine in Bergamo, Italy, there's no time to waste for the Boatyard, and one setback could have a knock-on effect that could jeopardise the whole project.

Luckily, everything is going like clockwork so far. Dongfeng, the first boat through the process, is now complete, and ready for inspection by the man who will sail it over 45,000 nautical miles around the planet in about 10 months time.

Caudrelier met with Donfeng Race Team's Boat Captain Graham Tourell and Technical Manager Neil Graham, who have been overseeing the build alongside Volvo Ocean Race staff in Portugal.

With the boat's refit now complete, it won't be long before Charles and his crew are taking their 65 for a ride.















V-DRY-XVetus-Maxwell 2021 v2 FOOTERB&G Zeus SR AUS

Related Articles

New trophy for 2025 Six Metre Worlds
Presented by HM King Juan Carlos of Spain The Opening Ceremony for the 2025 International Six Metre Open and Classic World Championships saw the 29 participating teams from nine nations gather on the waterside lawn of the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club.
Posted today at 3:08 am
David Porter, King of Sydney Harbour in the 1970s
During one of the greatest eras in the 134-year history of the 18ft Skiff class During a 10-year career in the 18s from 1970-71 to 1979-80, inclusive, Dave Porter won the 1975 World Championship, three Australian and five NSW (State) championships as well as numerous club championships.
Posted today at 12:51 am
SailGP: Australia on top in Geneva- Day 1
The Flying Roos (AUS) top of the leaderboard, after the first day of racing in SailGP Switzerland. The Flying Roos sit on top of the leaderboard, after the first day of racing in SailGP Switzerland. This was the first test of the new light air foils, and three races were sailed, all completed within the time limits.
Posted today at 12:35 am
Another win for MACIF Santé Prévoyance
Sam Goodchild and Loïs Berrehar victorious in Défi Azimut Lorient Agglomération The British skipper Sam Goodchild, who was a key part of the crew on Biotherm that won The Ocean Race Europe, followed up with victory in the two-handed Défi Azimut - Lorient Agglomération 48 Hours race today.
Posted on 20 Sep
Team Malizia ends on a high
Boris Herrmann's team fourth in The Ocean Race Europe After five legs, over 4,500 nautical miles, and six weeks of intense offshore racing, The Ocean Race Europe 2025 concluded today in Boka Bay, Montenegro. Team Malizia delivered a strong performance, climbing the overall leaderboard to finish fourth.
Posted on 20 Sep
A podium finish for Holcim-PRB
Team showed drive, consistent performance and commitment in The Ocean Race Europe After six weeks of racing, Holcim-PRB sailed its final race of The Ocean Race Europe 2025 today in Montenegro. With a third-place finish in the coastal race in Boka Bay, the Swiss boat secured a spot on the podium, claiming the bronze medal.
Posted on 20 Sep
Aussies checkmate in tense opener in Geneva
Tom Slingsby and the BONDS Flying Roos sit in pole position Tom Slingsby and the BONDS Flying Roos sit in pole position after the opening day in Geneva, following a day of racing that was described as a "chess-like battle" on the water.
Posted on 20 Sep
15th Défi Azimut - Acceleration and extension
Sleep? Dream on! The numerous videos posted by the OBRs (On-Board Reporters) on the Défi Azimut Lorient Agglomération server this morning testify to the infinite patience and the depth of talent required by the crews to make the Occidentale de Sein.
Posted on 20 Sep
BONDS Flying Roos in pole position in Geneva
Day 1 of Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix The BONDS Flying Roos top the event leaderboard with 25 points after opening day in Geneva. All 12 international teams battled shifty, light conditions, with those able to stay up on the foils and nail the maneuvers finding themselves still in the hunt.
Posted on 20 Sep
Biotherm takes the win
Spectacular Coastal Race in Boka Bay marks the end of The Ocean Race Europe The Boka Bay Coastal Race was a perfect reflection of this edition of The Ocean Race Europe: spectacular. And as they did over and over again during the past six weeks, it was Paul Meilhat's Biotherm who secured victory.
Posted on 20 Sep