start of the Ocean Race 2023 in Alicante
Since 2008
Alicante has hosted 4 starts of the Volvo Ocean Race and the start of the 2023 Ocean Race. The 2026 event
is also slated to start from Alicante.
The
Ocean Race Museum sits next to the Muelle de Levante, the pier where the boats
are docked, and is dedicated to the history and technology of the regatta. During races the museum hosts the
Race Communications and Control Center and you can follow the event here live on huge screens.
The week before
the start, the Ocean Live Park, with sponsor pavilions, eateries and watering holes, is open to the public. You can also
watch the teams make last minute tune-ups and changes to the boats.
On January 15th, we were part of the crowd of 75000 spectators
to watch the start of the fleets. Unfortunately the starting line was not in the bay proper, but more out to sea, so you could
spot the boats only from a considerable distance.
Always good to have a telelens handy...
then it is a long wait to the start of the IMOCAs
even high up Santa Barbara Castle people are lined up to watch the start
a last minute cleanup and repair
Team Jajo is one of the first out to test the blue waters
for the outsider it may look like a giant jungle of ropes, but the Holcim crew know the function of each of them
the Swiss IMOCA Team Holcim is skippered by Kevin Escoffier, a two-time Ocean Race veteran
the Eagle Patrol of the Spanish Air Force bids the boats a roaring farewell
moments before the start of the IMOCAs
Biotherm, 11th Hour Racing and Guyoy jockey for the optimal starting position
on race day the Muelle de Levante is loaded with people
IMOCAs and VO65's are docked at the Muelle de Levante pier
the Dutch VO65 Team Jajo will be skippered by youngster Jelmer van Beek
the wall of fame for Team 11TH HOUR RACING with skipper Charlie Enright to the left
and a news-chopper hangs in the sky to capture the event
Race Control is located in the Ocean Race Museum
the start of the VO65s