The 7 competing teams of the Volvo Ocean Race 2018 has departed from Gothenburg aka Göteborg on a cloudy Thursday, 21 June 2018 (Summer Solstice).
Gothenburg was the host city for the start of the final (11th) leg of the race which will finish in The Hague, Netherlands; and also the finishing point of 10th leg of the race.
Gothenburgers gathered at the Race Village in Frihamnen to give a befitting farewell to the 7 teams and their coordinators. The much loved local Göta Lejon – the marching show band of Gothenburg – played the music for the sailors, their crews and their families and all the staff of the Volvo Ocean Race 2018 that accompanied the competitors.
A local priest also beseeched the blessings of a God (and a Goddess) for the sailors for a safe journey as they set forth for their final part of the world’s most gruelling and thrilling race. The Race Village wore a festive look with the marching band and their music with people gathering from all walks of life and spectators taking photos but at the same time were was a sober feeling – it was an adieu.
In the 10th leg of the race, from Cardiff to Gothenburg, Team Brunel has beaten other teams. According to the Volvo Ocean Race, “Team Brunel has completed one of the great comebacks in sailing, setting up an epic final leg to The Hague next week in what will be the closest Volvo Ocean Race in history.” MAPFRE, Team Brunel and Dongfeng will begin their 11th leg of the race or the final in a dead heat at the top of the table, and this is an unprecedented happening of the race’s 45-year history since the race was created in 1973.
During Volvo Ocean Race 2018, the 7 teams had camped in Gothenburg for almost a week. Gothenburg was also one of the host cities in 2015.
You may also want to read:
Volvo Ocean Race Touches Gothenburg
Volvo Ocean Race: History and Tips in a Podcast
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkSWZfIFskO/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=18crq6bjuhluz
