Volvo Ocean Race vessels to compete in 'in port' racing during three-week stopover

BATTLING THE WAVES: An Ericsson Racing Team yacht competing in last year's Volvo Ocean Race. It is among seven teams that have confirmed participation this year and they are expected to arrive in Singapore from India just before Christmas. -- PHOTO: OSKAR KIHLBORG/ERICSSON RACING

YACHTS from the famous Volvo Ocean Race could be sailing into the waters off East Coast Park when they visit Singapore late this year.

And organisers are planning to set up floating pontoons, so that spectators can get closer to the 70-foot boats that will be racing there. Known as 'in port' racing, this event on Jan 10 next year, midway through their three-week stay, will be the highlight of the Singapore stopover.

The Republic is the fourth port of call in the prestigious 10-month, round-the-world yacht race over 39,000 nautical miles. It is also the first South-east Asian stop in the race's 35-year history.

'In port' racing is a recent development aimed at stoking excitement among spectators. Introduced in the 2005-06 season, these two-hour races take place along a fixed course near to shore.

Fans and sponsors alike will be able to get a close look at the thrills and techniques of fleet racing.

Before 'in port' racing was introduced, contests between boats only took place on the high seas - far away from fans and sponsors.

Points are awarded during 'in port' racing, which will count towards the teams' overall scores.

The course will be parallel to the East Coast, and fans may be able to sit on floating pontoons to watch the race close-up,' said Rob Turnbull, the newly appointed chief operating officer oforganiser One15 Singapore Ocean Race.

Another highlight for spectators: an exhibition race involving 'Extreme 40' catamarans. These high-speed sailboats, manned by professional crews, will take to the water at the Marina Barrage, near Clifford Pier, although the date for the event has not been confirmed yet.

Such 'spectator-friendly' events, said Turnbull, will bring world-class sailing right to the doorstep of Singaporeans.

Admission for both the East Coast Park and Marina Barrage races will be free.

However, details for the two races will not be finalised until organisers meet their counterparts from Volvo Event Management (UK) next month.

The yachts from the Volvo Ocean Race - known as the Formula One of sailing - are expected to arrive here just before Christmas from Kochi, India.

Seven teams have confirmed their participation this year: Ericsson (two teams), Alicante (two), Puma, Team Russia and Green Team. They are expected to drop anchor here until Jan 18 or 19, before making their way to Qingdao, China. This makes their three-week stop in Singapore the longest in the 2008-09 season.

To help whip up sailing fever, organisers are also planning a 10-day sailing festival at Sentosa's One Degree 15 Marina from Jan 8 to Jan 18. A 50,000 sq m Race Village to be constructed there will be the centrepiece of the festivities.