AkzoNobel Teams up with Volvo Ocean Race to Create Race Boat Experience

The Race Boat Experience marquee features a cross-section of the one-design boat which offers a fascinating insight into life on board. It also highlights how AkzoNobel products are making an essential contribution to all the Volvo Ocean 65s in the fleet – not just the team AkzoNobel boat.

“Visiting the Race Boat Experience is the next best thing to standing on an actual Volvo Ocean 65,” explained Alberto Slikta, Managing Director of AkzoNobel’s Specialty Coatings business. “It’s a great showcase for our products and will enable visitors to better understand where our technology and expertise are being used.”

As well as the cross-section itself, the attraction also includes a huge information board illustrating the key areas of the boats where AkzoNobel’s products can be found. Two video screens also offer footage of team AkzoNobel in action and add to the excitement.

“Nearly 2.5 million people visited the race villages during the last edition in 2014-15, so it’s a great opportunity to connect with the fans,” added Slikta. “They get to feel what it’s like to be on board, while at the same time getting a glimpse at what goes into preparing the boats for the challenges they face.”

The Race Boat Experience partnership further extends the company’s commitment to the 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race, beyond the involvement of team AkzoNobel. As well as being a sustainability partner for the forthcoming edition, the company’s International brand is both official coatings supplier to the Volvo Ocean Race Boatyard and the official Youth Academy Partner.

The race begins in Alicante, Spain, on October 22, with the race village itself opening on October 11.

Team AkzoNobel announced its participation in the 2017-2018 Volvo Ocean Race in July last year as part of a strategic partnership to raise global awareness for the company’s brands and expertise and create opportunities to engage in projects with local communities.