The VO65 “MAPFRE” will be the one who will defend the colours of Spain in the new edition of the Volvo Ocean Race. It was confirmed today, Friday, by the insurance company MAPFRE and Pedro Campos, the team’s CEO.
Credit : M Muina
With this sponsorship MAPFRE moves forward with its support to Spanish sailing, where it has been present in different sailing disciplines, such as Olympic and offshore sailing. With Iker Martínez and Xabi Fernández, finished second in the two handed non-stop round the world race, the Barcelona World Race, back in 2011. The crossing of the Atlantic Ocean was its latest offshore campaign, with the accomplished mission of setting a new record in Columbus’ Discovery Route.
The Volvo Ocean 65 “MAPFRE” has an excellent crew leaded by Olympic champions and offshore sailors Iker Martínez and Xabi Fernández. The crew is mainly formed by Spaniards but it also has an important international character, with other nationalities as Brazilian André Fonseca, the only Brazilian in the whole fleet, and Frenchman Michel Desjoyeaux, #1 in solo offshore sailing.
Next October 4th, the Spanish team will compete in Alicante in the first inshore race of this edition. One week after, on the 11th, Leg 1 from Alicante to Cape Town (South Africa) will start, and with it the first points for the overall classification will be at stake.
From desafiomapfre
