The Hindu Business Line : Kochi port getting ready to host Volvo ocean race

Kochi, March 23 Cochin Port Trust is in the process of building the necessary offshore and onshore infrastructure, including a Race Village in Willingdon Island, prior to hosting the India stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 to be held in Kochi by the end of this year.

The event, jointly organised by the port and the Kerala Tourism Department, is to be planned as a citizen’s programme. “We need to have the full participation of all sections of our people. It has been decided to hold consultations with the civic and government bodies, schools and academic institutions, leaders of industry and commerce etc, about structuring and management of the events,” the port Chairman, Mr N. Ramachandran, said.

10-day stopover

He pointed out that the race is scheduled to stop over in Kochi for 10 days from December 3 to 13 and it would provide a unique business opportunity as several high profile global corporate leaders as well as the world’s top most brands and business houses will gather here to cheer their respective teams.

The Kochi stopover will help showcase India as an emerging economic giant while highlighting the country’s business potential as well as the opportunities for tourism and leisure, he said. The city will witness a 10 day visual extravaganza of water sport action.

luxury yachts

Apart from the world’s fastest ocean racing yachts with modern technology backup, the event would also attract hundreds of other luxury yachts and sailing vessels, making the event truly spectacular, he said.

The first time Volvo Ocean Race stopover in an Indian port is recognition of India’s growing economic importance. It is also indicative of the confidence in the Kochi Port, which has been witnessing enormous expansion and modernisation.

October start

The race will commence its round the world marathon sailing in October and cover more than 39,000 nautical miles visiting 11 ports across the world.

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