Travelogue, Spain

Ocean Race (Spain Part 1.4)

Previously, this race with sailboats was known as the Whitbread Round the World Race and then the Volvo Ocean Race. A race that takes place on average every three years and is regarded as the toughest sailing race in the world.
 

Over a period of about 9 months, the participants sail around the world in different stages with their sailing boats. Each sailboat is a technical marvel of engineering and techniques. The Netherlands did not participate without merit in this.

 
As a teenager I watched with great admiration the images and reports of this race. In the past, the images were broadcast on TV in The Netherlands. Sometimes dreamed of going on one of the sailing boats as a crew member. However, I didn't dare. My love for my horses and cats was/is too great. Didn't dare to leave my animals alone for such a long period of time in those years.

The start has been taking place since 2008 from the port of Alicante. Therefore, there is also a small museum that interactively tells the story about this race.

Next to the museum, one sailboat (from 2001) can be viewed under the supervision of a museum employee. Despite the fact that it was a somewhat older sailing boat, this, in combination with the explanations and stories of the guidance, gave a good picture of how the boats are built and what life is like on board.

The sailboats are almost entirely made of carbon fiber. Only the outside has colors, but inside there really isn't a speck of paint to be found. This is for weight saving. After all, they are not small boats and the speeds that are aimed for means that every gram counts to achieve them.

The new sailing boats for the upcoming edition have been further developed in such a way that they are equipped with narrow, elongated type wings. When they reach a certain speed, almost the entire sailboat is lifted out of the water, reducing friction with the water to a minimum. It is therefore expected that many records will be broken in the coming edition.
So far, 13 editions of the race have taken place. On January 15, 2023, the participants will leave for the 14th edition. It is not a race without danger. Unfortunately, within the 13 editions, 7 people have already lost their lives. Predominantly by falling overboard. Most of the victims have never been found. This shows how risky the race is for all participants.
 

The Ocean Race can no longer be followed via TV in the Netherlands, but fortunately it can be followed via social media. I do this again with great admiration and I wish all participants a lot of success. May they all reach the finish line safely!

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