VOR ACTION IN AUCKLAND

Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour is expected to attract up to half a million visitors during the 23 days of the Volvo Ocean Race stopover – when the eight Volvo 65 yachts will be here after completing the race’s fourth leg from Hong Kong to New Zealand.

The vessels, crews and back-up teams are in Auckland from February 24 to March 18. The Viaduct will be transformed into a vibrant Race Village for the stopover, with the Viaduct Events Centre acting as Race HQ.

Te Wero Island will be the entertainment hub with a packed programme of events on the big stage, large screens, live music, plus concept bars. Karanga Plaza will offer a range of quality stalls, public eateries and family activities. An interactive display offers unique insight into life onboard during the race.

Visitors to Pit Lane, in front of the Viaduct Events Centre, will be able to see the Volvo Open 65 fleet up close and watch the teams prepare for the next Leg – across the Southern Ocean to Brazil.

Auckland action for the teams includes a port race (March 10) and a Pro-am Race Series (March 16), with the start of Leg 5 to Itajai (Brazil) on March 18.

The 2017-18 event is the 13th edition of the Race which was first held back in 1973-74. It is widely-regarded as the greatest test of sailing prowess and human endeavour: the world’s fastest monohulls racing a nine-month marathon around the globe deep into the bleak latitudes of the Southern Ocean and through the world’s most hostile seas.

The race last visited Auckland three years ago.