V90 Cross Country

In this article, we visit the Volvo Ocean Race Boatyard in Lisbon, Portugal. Here, we meet the team of experts responsible for repairing and re-fitting the entire fleet of Volvo Ocean 65 boats that will compete in the 2017-18 edition of the Volvo Ocean Race. We describe each team member’s individual area of expertise and show how the team works together to ensure that each boat is repaired identically, on time and to the highest possible standard. Their expertise in different areas represents the same level of competence you find at a Volvo workshop. We also meet Swedish sailor Martin Strömberg, who won the 2011-12 edition of the race, to find out what a great service programme gives him as a sailor.

The fascinating background and history of the Volvo Ocean Race have turned it into one of the best-known and toughest endurance races in the sporting calendar. For four and a half decades, participants have challenging themselves and each other as they sail its course. In this article, we will trace the race back to its beginning - and beyond, looking at the developments that shaped modern sea travel and made it possible in the first place. We trace the history of the race all the way back to the opening of the Panama and Suez canals, and then how - decades later - Robin Knox-Johnson became the first man to sail single-handedly round the planet. We then describe the foundation of the race in the 70s, and the developments that turned it into the event we know today - with its cutting-edge boats, teams of world champion sailors and non-stop coverage.