Volvo Ocean Race overhaul

Chief Executive Helge Alten says radical changes for the next event will be decided by the end of the year

An Open 60 might be cheaper, but the race surely needs a bigger boat and one wonders if the Open 60 rule could stand the scrutiny of a Volvo-style design program

The aim of all the changes will be to make an entry into the Volvo cheaper, thus encouraging more boats to enter. There is no doubt that the upcoming race has been harmed by the clash with the next America's Cup, but it is also true that the Whitbread/Volvo concept has become extremely expensive in comparison with other events with shore managers this time quoting budgets of $10-15 million for a one-boat campaign.

The nine stopovers - that's excluding the start and finish ports - are proving a huge and escalating expense for syndicates in logistics, accommodation and travelling and there is a feeling among some participants that it is time for the race to return to its roots, with the accent on hard ocean racing and less time spent in port or on short sprints.

"I do argue that we have to get costs down because we want the entries," said Alten. "I'm saying we should all be open to the changes that are necessary. After all, the race is a great media event but it should also be good for sailors and it should be easy to get sponsors next time round."

Alten agrees that the number of stopovers and their length is a key issue. But he believes some stopovers must be retained. "I don't think a race without any stops is up for discussion," he said. "That would take away from the fact that at least quite a few of the boats and syndicates use stopovers for business purposes and, if you look at the present participants, quite a few would not be there if we didn't stop in the US, for example. We can discuss if South Africa or Australia/New Zealand are necessary from a commercial point of view, but then again, they are necessary from a sailing point of view."

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