Sailing - Volvo Ocean Race: Enjoy Lisbon

Excitement builds as Lisbon awaits first ever race visit

PAUL TODD/Volvo Ocean Race

Excitement is reaching fever pitch in Lisbon ahead of today’s arrival of the Volvo Ocean Race fleet -- and dockside all is set for a grand 24-hour welcoming party.

PAUL TODD/Volvo Ocean Race PAUL TODD/Volvo Ocean Race PAUL TODD/Volvo Ocean Race PAUL TODD/Volvo Ocean Race PAUL TODD/Volvo Ocean Race PAUL TODD/Volvo Ocean Race PAUL TODD/Volvo Ocean Race

Thousands are expected to flock to the capital city’s Doca de Pedrouços, home of the Race Village, to experience the race’s first visit to Portugal in its 39-year history.
The Race Village throws open its doors at 11am local time and timing couldn’t be any better -- the winning yacht is expected to cross the Leg 7 finish line just hours later.
After one of the closest-fought battles of the nine-leg marathon so far, the six teams could arrive within hours of each other, so the Race Village will stay open for 24 hours on arrivals day.
Once the boats have all arrived, the Race Village will be open from 11am to 9pm right up until Leg 8 start day on June 10 will a full programme of entertainment including music concerts each night.
The Volvo Ocean Race Experience is one of the real highlights of the Race Village bringing fans closer to the action than ever before.
Whether it’s recreating the feeling of blasting through a Southern Ocean storm at 25 knots, watching the Volvo Ocean Race come to life in 3D or racing a friend in the winch grinding challenge, the Volvo Ocean Race Experience is the place to live the world’s toughest yacht race from the safety of the shore.
Step into the carbon fibre shell of the Volvo Ocean Race simulator The Ride and after three minutes of extreme weather, crashing waves, blistering speeds and nail-biting action you’ll be one step closer to understanding the life of a Volvo Ocean Race sailor from the safety of the shore.
With thrilling footage captured on board the Volvo Open 70 yachts, The Ride is a thrill for sailing fans and landlubbers alike, and a must-visit part of the Race Village.
Be transported to the heart of the action with the Volvo Ocean Race’s cutting-edge 3D Cinema. The 11-minute film, titled “To Win,” is the first-ever movie made by the Volvo Ocean Race in 3D format and will give viewers an inside look about what factors will ultimately determine the winners of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12.
Built from nine 40ft shipping containers and seating 90 people, the 3D Cinema forms one of the main attractions of the Race Village. The film will be screened every 20 minutes throughout the day in English and in Portuguese.
Visitors can test their strength in the Grinding Challenge, a replica of the winch pedestals that are used on the yachts to hoist and trim the sails, or ‘walk on water’ inside one of the Air Balls.
There's a chance to Try Sailing with the Volvo Academy or paddle boarding with PUMA. Little ones can drive miniature Volvo pedal cars, trucks and diggers and Jump Around the World on a special bouncy castle.
The six competing Volvo Ocean 70s yachts will be moored in the Pit Lane, offering visitors the opportunity to take a close look at the world's fastest monohulls. The shore team areas will also be on view giving a fascinating look behind the scenes at the work that goes into preparing the boats for one of the world’s toughest sporting challenges.
For more information on the Lisbon stopover, click HERE.