Alkistis-ΕΝΘΕΤΟ Sailing

Franck Cammas and his crew on giant trimaran Groupama 3 have abandoned their attempt on the Jules Verne Trophy after sustaining damage to an aft beam bulkhead on the approach to the Cape of Good Hope.

The 2008-09 race generated sufficient economic impact for the host port events to be “amongst the sports world’s highest impact, short-duration major sports events”, according to an independent study.

The media results for 2008-09 show a substantial increase in reach and value over the 2005-06 event. A multi-channel communications approach has broadened the race's appeal particularly in new territories.

Torben Grael, who skippered Ericsson 4 to a convincing victory in the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race, has added to his collection of sailing accolades by winning the 2009 ISAF World Sailor of The Year award.

Frenchman Sidney Gavignet, a veteran of four Whitbread/Volvo Ocean Races, has welcomed the changes to the 2011-12 race format particularly the introduction of an extra Under-30 crew member.