Brunel Entry into the Volvo Ocean Race Announced

Dutch firm Brunel will return to the 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race as a team sponsor for Dutch sailor Bouwe Bekking’s team.

The project management, pharm recruitment and consultancy firm will join forces with Bekking who returns to the race for the seventh time – a record-equalling total.

Team Brunel will return to the race after competing in the 1997-98 and 2005-06 editions, treat where they competed udder the name BrunelSunergy.

Bekking commented: “A Dutch-speaking team in the Volvo Ocean Race again – we owe this to our heritage and the future sailing generations to come.

“But above all it’s the best sailing in the world. Our nation is known around the world as the country of windmills, dykes, tulips, cheese, wooden clogs – and the Volvo Ocean Race. The race is just in our blood.”

Brunel chief executive Jan Arie van Barneveld added: “We are really happy that Brunel has again its own team and own sailing machine in the most exciting and prestigious sailing regatta in the world.

“The formula of the race has been improved significantly: the boats are identical so it’s the teams that make the difference. It is about the quality and cooperation between the people. That is Brunel! We go for the people, the sport and the victory.”

Team Brunel joins Team SCA, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, and the Chinese Team Dongfeng in the 12th edition of the nine-month, 39,370 nautical mile race.

The Volvo Ocean Race starts on October 4, 2014.