March 19, 2015. The boats tackle steep and angry seas as they pass East Cape, the eastern-most point of New Zealand
Backed by the Madrid-based global insurance company, the Spanish boat is the third confirmed entry for the next edition, following the announcements of Dongfeng Race Team and team AkzoNobel last year. The return is a testament to the success of the project, both in terms of sporting and commercial performance. In 2015-15, the sailing team won the leg into Auckland, New Zealand, and grabbed three more podium finishes in the offshore legs.
“It’s an honour for MAPFRE to be on the start line again in one of the most demanding competitions in world sport,” said MAPFRE President, Antonio Huertas. He continued: “We really value being involved in a sailing competition around the world that represents the same values that define us as a company.” Spain has been represented in eight of the previous 12 editions of the Volvo Ocean Race. MAPFRE’s 2017-18 campaign will be the ninth – and they’ll be desperate to grab the country’s first ever win.
Spanish sailor Pedro Campos will again oversee the project, with an announcement on skipper and crew to come in the near future. Campos has been involved in every edition of the race since 2005-06, when he led the iconic Movistar project, and the next edition will be his fifth consecutive campaign. “
“We’re very grateful and proud to have the full support of MAPFRE once again for the great adventure that is the Volvo Ocean Race, probably the longest, hardest, and most extreme event in the sports world. Just taking part in it is a big goal for every team. To be on start line from Alicante with a chance to try to win – that is our first big challenge and our job for the next months,” said Campos.
“It’s fantastic news to be able to confirm a Spanish team for the next edition, and of course great to see another sponsor return to the race after a successful campaign,” said Volvo Ocean Race CEO Mark Turner. “With Alicante recently confirmed as the start for the next three editions, and Spain having played a significant role in the history of the race in general, it will be great to see Spanish fans lined up again on the dock in October to cheer on their team, MAPFRE.”
