Stockholm final stopover in Volvo Ocean Race

The Swedish capital, Stockholm, will be the final stopover for the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 before its finish in St Petersburg in July 2009. Stockholm will also host an in-port race as well as a pro-am race in its famous archipelago.
Stockholm final stopover in Volvo Ocean Race
At a city hall press conference in central Stockholm, its Mayor, Kristina Axén Olin, was joined by Ulla Hamilton, Vice-Mayor and Chairman of Ports of Stockholm, together with Glenn Bourke, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, to make the formal announcement.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for Stockholm to host a stopover in the Volvo Ocean Race,” Axén Olin said. “We will be able to present our beautiful capital city to many international visitors and the event will also benefit local business. It will be an excellent opportunity to promote our clean and green waterfront city, the visiting public will generate good income and I believe that the occasional hosting of big events is important in the continuous development of our city,” she added.

Glenn Bourke responded: “This is a fantastic location and we are delighted that we have come to an agreement to bring our event to such a beautiful city. The fleet of Volvo Open 70s sailing into the harbour of Stockholm and mooring next to the royal castle will be a magnificent sight, and the in-port race held in Kanholmsfjärden just inside Sandhamn will be a stunning setting for the last in-port race of the event.” 

Stockholm is the home port of Ericsson Racing Team which has two boats entered in the race, built by Killian Bushe in Stockholm. The stopover will be between 16–25 June 2009.