#VOR - Brazil will now have two stops on the route for the 12th edition of the Volvo Ocean Race as Itajaí joins the previously announced Recife on the list of host ports.
Itajaí, in the state of Santa Catarina, staged a memorable stopover in the 2011-12 edition with huge crowds packing the Race Village throughout, and the port’s return to the route means the south of Brazil is joining the north east in the race.
As previously reported on Afloat.ie, a boat backed by the state of Pernambuco was confirmed at last week’s announcement which race organisers say will ensure a distinct Brazilian flavour for the race's 12th edition in 2014-15, at a time when the focus of world sport will be on the country.
"Making two stops in Brazil makes perfect sense at a time when the country will be the beating heart of sport between soccer's World Cup in 2014 and the Rio Olympic Games in 2016," said Volvo Ocean Race CEO Knut Frostad.
"We are thrilled to be going back to Itajaí, which proved to be one of the most successful stopovers of the last edition with a rhythm all of its own.
"We had huge numbers of fans in attendance on all the key dates and with the support of the city and the region we're looking forward to breaking those records next time."
Once again, Itajaí will provide the long awaited finish line for the teams following their rounding of the iconic Cape Horn in the Southern Ocean.
"The leg through the Southern Ocean, around Cape Horn and on to Brazil, was an instant classic in the last edition," said Volvo Ocean Race COO Tom Touber, who made the announcement at the Castelo Montemar in Itajaí today (22 January).
"Going twice now to the vast, diverse and sports-mad country of Brazil is a privilege for us."
Speaking at the announcement, Itajaí mayor Jandir Bellini added: "Hosting the Volvo Ocean Race once again is proof that Itajaí is capable of staging the biggest events in the world.
"It is our goal to confirm Itajaí as a national capital of sailing."
Exact dates of the Itajaí stopover will be announced next month. The remainder of the route for the 12th edition of the Volvo Ocean race will be revealed over the coming weeks.
