The 2014-15 edition of the Volvo Ocean Race was the most successful ever. According to the official Race Report released on Monday, a record number (70,471) of corporate guests receiving unique Volvo Ocean Race experiences – more than three times the previous highest number, achieved in 2011-12, which confirms the Race’s position as a key business platform for its sponsors.
Other headlines of the report include: The highest footfall (2.4 million) in the event’s history, with a 16 percent increase on the daily average number of visitors compared to 2011- 12.- An increase of 140 percent in online news audience across 113 countries and 27 percent in TV publicity value (€293 million) thanks to improved content from the Onboard Reporters and better quality media covering the Race.- 7,663 hours of global TV coverage achieved – a 59 percent rise on 2011-12.- • The participating teams achieved an average media value of €47.5 million. “The Volvo Ocean Race offers world-class and unique hospitality opportunities both on and off the water – and the number of guests to experience our programme has tripled on last edition,” said Race CEO, Knut Frostad.
The comprehensive Volvo Ocean Race programme provides guests with a range of premium experiences such as the chance to join the sailors on board for Leg Starts and InPort Races and be the first to welcome the boats – heading out to greet the fleet as it arrives into each new port. “We have hosted a record number of corporate visitors in eight of our 10 stopovers around the world – a hugely positive global trend,” added Frostad. One of the most popular aspects of the programme was the Guest Onboard experience, which offered 2,451 guests the opportunity to race in one of the seven Volvo Ocean 65s. That’s a 58% increase on the 2011-12 edition. Frostad continued: “We are giving more people than ever before the chance to taste just what it’s like to race, alongside our elite athletes, out on the water. It’s truly a money-can’t-buy experience.”
In addition to the on-water activities, the Race also provided a premium shore experience, including a glitzy Awards Nights ceremony in each stopover, guided tours of the boats, and tailored business programmes such as conferences and product launches. Sailors from 19 different nations took part in the event, with overall winners Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing consisting of the most – an average of 6.9 nationalities on board throughout the Race.
The official Volvo Ocean Race website features content in four different languages, and a team of dedicated media managers produced updates and news in a further five. With over 2.4 million visitors from all corners of the planet, the Race Villages saw record footfall – with a daily average of 16,326 people coming through the gates. That’s a 16% increase on the previous edition. The next edition of the Volvo Ocean Race – the 13th – will begin in Alicante, in 2017. Seven ports – Alicante, Auckland, Cape Town, Cardiff, Gothenburg, Lisbon and New-port – have already been announced, with the full route to be disclosed in 2016.
Reprinted by Courtesy of Sport Intern, the international inside World Sports news letter.