Kerala’s Kochi gets ready for Volvo Ocean Race 2008 stopover

The much-awaited Kochi stop over of the Volvo Ocean Race is just round the corner. The yachts are expected in Kochi on November 29 and 30, three days prior to the stopover start date of December 3.

According to official sources in Kochi, it has been a dramatic second leg so far with the threat of piracy, damage to the boat named Telefonica Blue, injuries and whiteouts. In the meantime, Ericsson 4 continues to blaze the trail, leading the pack with Telefonica Blue and Ericsson 3 close behind.

With the early arrivals the stopover in Kochi will be now be a 13-day affair instead of the planned 10-day stopover. However, the official welcome ceremony and the race village will be open to the public as previously planned on December 3.

On arrival in the Kochi waters, the yachts will be escorted by the Indian Navy with VIP boats, ground team members and press boats greeting the yachts.  There will be a traditional welcome beating of the drums ceremony by a local troupe near the BTP jetty where the boats will berth.

With the terror attacks in Mumbai, security measures have been amplified in Kochi. “News of the Mumbai terror has been quite shocking for our team, but thanks to the tight security arrangements made by the Port Trust, we are positive about the event”, says Jeremy Troughton, Planning and Operations Director, Volvo Ocean Race.

The race village, which has been set up entirely for the Volvo Ocean Race, is decked up in complete grandeur. Apart from being the venue of a host of cultural performances and trade activities, the race village will see several foreign media who will be in Kochi to cover the race.