The way forward

Volvo Ocean Race CEO Glenn Bourke was resolute in making the dramatic changes three years ago that led to the creation of the stunning VOR 70 Class. Now he has stunned his audience again, announcing more drastic changes for the next edition of the world's greatest ocean race in 2008/9

SH: What has been the mood greeting the proposed changes to the race?

Glenn Bourke: We've done an internal review to see where we can improve the race. Some are rule issues, some deal with the ports (clarity of contracts etc), some are media related. We have had external input from some of the guys who have sailed on the boats. To be frank, we haven't yet had time to digest all the reaction. But, yes, we are still getting plenty of feedback about our changes...

SH: Some have described the change of course as altering the race beyond recognition.

GB: To me they are minor tweaks and nothing controversial when compared with what we did with the last race. The route change is evolutionary not fundamental.

SH: Is the new warm water route one you'd have wanted if you were a sailor?

GB: Ha! I wouldn't sail this race if I was a sailor [hmm... 3 Laser World titles, America's Cup campaigns etc - ed]. I'm an event organiser and this is the only route that in my mind will ensure the future of the race. It was withering on the vine and the reason for that was because it wasn't going to those markets where there was a big commercial interest. We've taken this measure to enhance this commercial appeal and I think it's the right decision. I hope time will bear me out. Certainly all the people involved in running this race were unanimous that this was the right way to go.

To read the remainder of this and many other articles, please purchase your copy of the September 2006 edition of Seahorse International Sailing available at selected newsstands or by calling: + 44 (0) 1590 671899 or by email at: info@seahorse.co.uk

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