Volvo Ocean Race

19 Sep 2012, 09:12UTC

Thinking logistics – It's not all about the boat

PEDRO FREITAS/Volvo Ocean Race

One-design is not just about the boat. The new project presents a chance to re-think team logistics for the next Volvo Ocean Race, from maintenance and repairs to containers and transport, and with the new class in mind shore managers and logistics experts met this week in Alicante for an operational think tank.

Volvo Ocean Race organizers meet in Alicante with the teams’ shore managers of the 2011-12 edition to discuss the logistics behind the new one-design boat.

PEDRO FREITAS/Volvo Ocean Race

Race Director Jack Lloyd meet in Alicante with the teams’ shore managers of the 2011-12 edition to discuss the logistics behind the new one-design boat.

PEDRO FREITAS/Volvo Ocean Race

Volvo Ocean Race organisers meet in Alicante with team shore managers of the 2011-12 edition to discuss the logistics behind the new one-design boat.

PEDRO FREITAS/Volvo Ocean Race

“If you’re sitting there thinking you want to do the Volvo, this is an easy one to get into!" - Kimo Worthington

“We got a bunch of good guys in here to go through different scenarios that can happen with the new one-design class,” says Kimo Worthington, shore manager for PUMA Ocean Racing powered by BERG in 2011-12.

“We are looking at how we can share services, how we can put everything together under one group. What Volvo are trying to do is massive: if they pull it off, it will be amazing.”

This new one design 65-foot boat designed by Farr Yacht Design for the next two editions of the race is being constructed by a four-strong consortium of boatyards. The race is intent on getting eight to 10 boats on the start line in 2014-15 and for Worthington there should be plenty of appeal this time.

“If you’re sitting there thinking you want to do the Volvo, this is an easy one to get into," he said. "One-design makes it very simple for the teams. All of a sudden, a team can come in without hiring designers or experts with the same boat as the others. The organisation made it very easy for the teams to walk in and go racing without worrying about a lot of situations. All summed up, it’s a pretty nice deal.”

The first team to sign up for the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15, SCA’s 100% female team, were represented at the workshop by Anthony Spillebeen.

“We’re just listening to the ideas and the concept to formulate our own opinions," he said. "Fortunately the nucleus of our team has been part of previous races before this one. We don’t feel like we’re playing catch-up. Yet, the good thing is that everyone is now talking to each other. It’s been more of a think tank than anything else.”