A Russian entry will compete in the Volvo Ocean Race for the first time in the event’s history. Backed by Oleg Zherebtsov, a St Petersburg businessman, the yacht will be skippered by former Austrian Olympic Star sailor Andreas Hanakamp. Michael Woods, who was Director of Race Operations for the 2001-02 race, will manage the team. Τhere will be a strong Russian element to the campaign.
Commenting on the announcement, Glenn Bourke, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, said: “We are delighted to have another confirmed entry in the race and we our especially pleased to have a Russian boat, which will further broaden the global interest of the race.”
The team plans to launch their new Volvo Open 70 in April next year to allow a full programme of sail testing and crew training in the North Atlantic before the start in Alicante, Spain in October 2008. Prior to April, the team will use a Volvo Ocean 60 (the former Merit Cup), for crew selection and plans to develop new talent in order to create a crew of youth and experience.
The Russian announcement brings the number of confirmed entries in the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 to seven. Both Ericsson Racing Team from Sweden, and Pedro Campos’ team from Spain will enter two boats, joined by the US-flagged Puma Racing Team and Mean Machine from The Netherlands.
