Legendary Volvo Ocean Race Set to Visit Guangzhou

By Matthew Bossons, January 8, 2018

For the first time ever, the legendary Volvo Ocean Race is set to visit Guangzhou – the only Chinese mainland stop during the 2017-18 circuit.

Guangzhou Stopover Race Village at Nansha Marina will officially open its doors to the public on January 31, while the seven participating sailing teams are expected to arrive at the marina on February 1.

Now on its 13th edition, the 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race is the event’s longest-ever, with the 45,000-nautical-mile route covering “three times more southern ocean than previous editions,” according to an event media release.

The eight-month race began in Alicante, Spain on October 22, 2017 and will visit Lisbon, Cape Town, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Auckland, Itajaí, Newport, Cardiff and Gothenburg, before concluding in The Hague.

All seven teams are racing identical vessels, the Volvo Ocean 65, meaning victory will ultimately be determined by the skill and professionalism of the teams.

So, what can Guangzhouers expect during the 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race’s Nansha Marina stopover? A whole lot, actually.

A welcome ceremony is currently planned for February 1 and interested individuals can check out a number of fascinating exhibits at Guangzhou Stopover Race Village before the fleet leaves on February 5.

The ‘Dome’ is a globe-shaped movie theater that will offer race enthusiasts a 360-degree Volvo Ocean Race sensory experience, while a cross-section display of a Volvo Ocean 65 racing yacht will give the public an understanding of the conditions Volvo Ocean Race participants live in during the global oceanic marathon.

Other highlights from Guangzhou’s race-accompanying five-day public program include sailing experiences, performances and live entertainment, interactive displays and an in-port race, which will be held on February 3.

This all sound good? We haven’t even told you the best part yet: the festivities are free to attend.

Volvo Ocean Race is about to arrive on Guangzhou’s doorstep – do yourself a favor and witness this history-making race with your own eyes!

See listing for Nansha Marina.