INAUGURATION OF THE BARCELONA WORLD RACE VILLAGE 19th Dec 2010
Barcelona laid on its very best December weather for the city’s mayor Jordi Hereu as he formally welcomed the skippers who will take part in the Barcelona World Race and opened the Moll Barcelona World Race Expo and the Race Fleet Pontoon.
He opened the multi-faceted Expo, described by Fundació Navegació Oceánica Barcelona President Pere Alcober as a ‘great place for visitors to enjoy and learn the experiences of ocean racing.’
Hereu greeted each of the skippers individually wished of them good luck and a safe race, before thanking all of the companies who sponsor and support this second edition of the Barcelona World Race, and inaugurated the colourful Expo which is open until 6th January.
© Joan Roca de Viñals / Barcelona World Race
Just before the opening of the Barcelona World Race Expo, with its special Barcelona World Race Food Experience, the skippers of Mapfre, Iker Martinez (ESP) and Xabi Fernandez (ESP), donated more than half a tonne of hiqh quality seafood to a charity which benefits people in need in their home region around Santander. This morning the Olympic 49er medalists, who face a big challenge when they head out on to the Barcelona World Race just seven months after they first stepped on an IMOCA Open 60, climbed onto a giant scales, together with their shore crew, as the total weight of food which will be donated to the homeless is equivalent to their combined body weight.
The skippers started a series of briefings, meeting with Andor Serra, director of the FNOB, to have a first seminar on the start day procedures and protocols, as well as briefings on the security and safety protocols. Race doctor Francesc Bonet was also present.
And at 1615hrs the Swiss-French duo Dominique Wavre and his partner Michèle Paret had their IMOCA Open 60 Mirabaud, the Owen-Clarke design christened by soprano Ainhoa Arteta who is the godmother for their programme.
Quotes:
Jordi Hereu (ESP), Mayor of Barcelona: "This Barcelona World Race is in fact double the size of the first edition and it will keep growing. We will all follow your adventures and Barcelona relates to it not only only in sport but also with solidarity, from the perspective f environmental protection and education. Barcelona’s has always related to the rest of the world through the sea. And we thank the companies who have all supported the Barcelona World Race."
Pere Alcober (ESP) President of the Fundació Navegació Oceánica Barcelona:“The city looks to the sea, but not just the Mediterranean, but all of the oceans. This Expo is a great place for visitors to learn and enjoy the experience of ocean racing.”
Alex Thomson (GBR) Hugo Boss: “It is great to have the official opening of the race village, the Moll Barcelona World Race, and to have the skippers here, and the boats lined up, it all feels now like we really are getting ready for the showdown in a couple of weeks. It is lovely here, nice and warm and a relaxing day, especially compared to the rest of Europe. When left Germany this morning at it was minus 13 degrees.”
Anna Corbella (ESP), GAES Centros Auditivos: “For me this feels like an important day, nice to meet the mayor and that really makes you feel like the city is with me and support me and that really feels good, and see the other skippers, but also for me it is one day less before the start, and that is more important. It is good because I want to start today. I am not nervous but I want to go. I know the day will arrive, but I am not nervous, just feeling impatient."
