Volvo Ocean Race - Danish entry confirmed as Team Vestas Wind

by Vestas Wind Systems A/S on 13 Aug 2014 Volvo Ocean Race - The world's largest wind turbine builder Vestas has just been announced as the seventh entry in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 with the second ever Danish-sponsored boat Vestas Wind.

'Vestas Wind,' the first-ever Danish boat to compete in the Volvo Ocean Race, will showcase Vestas’ brand, enhance customer relations and bolster Vestas’ profitable growth strategy on its race around the world.

Starting in October, the Volvo Ocean Race will embark on its 12th edition, calling at 11 ports and taking sailors on a 38,739-nautical-mile race around the world. By harnessing the power of the wind, Team Vestas Wind will strengthen Vestas profitable growth strategy as the race visits many of our most important markets, from Brazil and China, to South Africa, the United States and the Middle East/North Africa region.

Vestas is well familiar with nautical challenges. In November 2012, the Vestas Sailrocket 2 broke world speed records, reaching a top speed of more than 68 knots. With this passion for the wind, Vestas CEO Anders Runevad is confident the Volvo Ocean Race will be a resounding success for Vestas.

'In terms of wind energy and where we have our market focus, the Volvo Ocean Race is a perfect match. We expect this event to promote Vestas as the strongest brand in the wind industry and to contribute to achieving our profitable growth strategic goals,' says Runevad. 'We have a world-class team of sailors and wind energy professionals behind us, and we’re on-board to win.'

'Over three million people are expected to visit the port cities hosting the race while the official live stream channel is expected to reach more than seven million viewers,' says Morten Albæk, Vestas Chief Marketing Officer. 'This is a privileged opportunity for Vestas to become closer to some of our most important markets and create intimate surroundings for our key stakeholders - a crucial factor in measuring the success of this initiative.'

The Vestas Wind boat will fly under the Danish flag and have Tuborg Harbor as its official homeport. All crewmembers will be members of the Royal Danish Yacht Club, which will provide its clubhouse for activities and for a 'welcome home' gathering in June 2015.

Olympian and World Champion sailor Chris Nicholson will skipper the Vestas Wind boat, teaming up with Shore Manager Neil Cox to lead Team Vestas Wind on the round-the-world challenge.

Two Danish sailors, Peter Wibroe and Nicolai Sehested – the youngest Dane ever to participate in the Volvo Ocean Race – will make up part of the eight-man crew.

Over three million visitors are expected to visit the race villages in the harbour stopovers while the official live stream channel is expected to reach more than seven million viewers.

S-W: The first Danish entry in the then Whitbread Round the World Race was Jesper Norsk's SAS Baia Viking in the 1985-86 Volvo Ocean Race website