This summer, Newport was host to multiple Volvo Ocean Race teams as they completed Trans-Atlantic crossings in preparation for the big race starting next year! The Volvo Ocean Race takes teams around the world, with a combination of offshore and inshore racing at multiple city ports. One of the last ports of call for the VOR will be Newport, so several teams found it a perfect location to complete some of their training and gain a bit of local knowledge.
I was on the water for two such visits, first in late May by Chinese Team Dongfeng. This international team is half Chinese nationals, who have plenty of dinghy experience but no extensive offshore experience to speak of! It will certainly be a trying race for this new team, led by French Skipper Charles Caudrelier. I was able to not only shoot this visit from the water, but also from on board the one-design Volvo 65!
In early July, returning Team Abu Dhabi and new Turkish sponsored Team Alvimedica had overlapping visits. This presented a unique practice start opportunity as both teams left Newport to cross the Atlantic. Team Alvimedica has several Newporters aboard, and a fresh young team eager to show their skills in the upcoming Volvo race!
All the shots from both these VOR visits can be seen in the Viewing Gallery. Can't wait to see these boats in Newport again as part of the official Ocean Race in May 2015!
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