VOLVO OCEAN RACE REDRAWS ROUTE DUE TO PIRACY CONCERNS - The escalating security problem caused by piracy in the Indian Ocean has forced Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 organisers to redraw the second and third leg routes in the 39,000 nautical mile round-the-world challenge. The competing boats were due to have sailed through an East African corridor in the Indian Ocean on the second leg from Cape Town to Abu Dhabi and again in the third leg from Abu Dhabi to Sanya in China. After taking advice from marine safety experts Dryad Maritime Intelligence and the sport's governing body, the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), race organisers decided that sticking to the original route would put crews at too much risk.

The Volvo Ocean Race & IMG Media (host broadcaster & global media distributor for the event) announce the first group of broadcast partners for the 2011-12 edition of the race with 57 broadcasters covering over 50 countries.

Telefónica first to call Alicante home in Volvo Ocean Race countdown

Team Telefónica today became the first Volvo Ocean Race crew to make their formal arrival into Alicante ahead of the 2011-12 race start on October 29.This is a big moment for us,” said Telefónica’s Spanish skipper Iker Martínez. “Our training time is finished and we now need to just do the final preparations for the race.” 

Italy’s Tauranga confirms entry in Volvo Ocean Race Legends Regatta and Reunion

The Swan 55’ Sparkman and Stevens designed Tauranga took part in the very first edition of the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1973-74, completing the 27,000 nautical mile course in 185 days and finishing in 10th place overall.