Sanya to Host China Leg of Volvo Ocean Race Once Again

The Volvo Ocean Race will return to Sanya in China, after making a big impression during the 2011-12 race.

The popular holiday destination will be the fourth of 10 Host Ports and will once again be the stopover between Abu Dhabi and Auckland.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors attended the 2011-12 race at Sanya, with many getting their first taste of the competition.

“In many ways Sanya proved to be the best kept secret in sailing,” said Volvo Ocean Race CEO Knut Frostad. “The first-rate facilities, the perfect sailing conditions and the warmth of the people added up to an eye-opening and massively successful stop and I’m looking forward to an even better experience in 2014-15.”

China has been represented in the Race since 2008-09, when there was a stop at Qingdao.

Frostad added: “With two successful stops in China now behind us, it’s hard to imagine a route without it. China is very important to everyone involved in this event.

“We were given an exceptional welcome by Sanya in the last edition, with the stopover providing a unique take on the Race, and it’s gratifying to know we will be back to build on our legacy.”

Dong Yongquan, Deputy General Secretary of Sanya Municipal Government and Sanya Stopover Race Manager said: “We are very pleased that Sanya continues to be the venue for the Volvo Ocean Race stopover in China.

“Sanya has proved to be an ideal sailing capital and one of the most popular sailing cities in the country.

“The Race continues to be an important event in our promotion of Sanya as an international tourist destination with a strong cultural legacy.”

Gerard Houa, Managing Director of Sanya Serenity Marina Co.LTD added: “It shows great recognition and trust by the Volvo Ocean Race to choose Serenity Sanya Marina as the Race Village for the Sanya Stopover.

“Our goal is to raise awareness of Sanya and Serenity Sanya Marina through this global race.

“We are very pleased to welcome our friends from around the globe to enjoy this international sailing festival with us.”

Sanya is the ninth city to be revealed for the 2014-15 edition, with Recife on the north east coast of Brazil, Abu Dhabi, Auckland, Itajai in the south of Brazil, Newport, Rhode Island and Lisbon the other confirmed destinations.