When the eagerly anticipated Showdwon at the 13th edition of the Volvo Ocean Race starts on June 21, it will not only be the seven yachts in the current Volvo fleet, of which three (Brunel, Mapfre, Dongfeng) are the ones Can win the overall standings and prepare for a dramatic three-way battle. At the same time as the last leg from Gothenburg over 700 nautical miles to the port of destination The Hague, the Legends Race will start on Thursday, in which a total of twelve former Whitbread and Volvo yachts will take part. The German flag will finally fly, because the Rostock team Speedsailing is sending two of its three original Volvo Ocean Race racing yachts into the battle of strength at sea with a historical paintwork.
The former Volvo Ocean Race yachts "SEB" and "illbruck" now sail under the names "Ospa" and "Glashäger" and take part in the Legends Race
"Rothmans" owner Ludwig Uhlmann
Ludwig Uhlmann is also starting the Legends Race with his family and the regular crew on "Rothmans". The management consultant from Dietenhofen near Nuremberg acquired the legendary Rothmans two years ago, which the British sea warrior Lawrie once led around the world in 1989/90 and took fourth place. The "Rothmans" is still at home at the KSSS in the beautiful Stockholm suburb of Saltsjöbaden. Uhlmann explains: "I was in Stockholm two years ago and came across the 'Rothmans' by chance during the Gotland race. It made the sun rise for me - the dream ship of my youth! raved about the Whitbread Race. Back then they were boats like moon rockets for us. I had bought all the books, but of course I hadn't dared to dream of ever setting foot on such a boat … "Before the start of the Legends Race, Uhlmann said:" Most of all I am looking forward to sailing in this incredible fleet. It has never happened before! In 2011 the only harbor race to date took place in Alicante. Now there is a long-distance race on the program. What more could an amateur want? "
Today the "Rothmans" belongs to the Uhlmann family and is still at home in Stockholm
The speed sailing yachts are based in the Rostock city harbor. Both Legends Race boats, which are otherwise used for guest trips and incentives, have already set course for Gothenburg. The "Ospa" (Ex- "SEB") and the "Glashäger" (Ex- "Illbruck) will start. Both held the 24-hour record once at the eighth edition of the Volvo Ocean Race 2001/02 and are still today Well-groomed racing goats with a lot of potential. Although the competition at Legends Race is likely to be strong, the Speed Sailing team believes it has a good chance of being among the front runners.
The same starting line will be used for the Legends Race as for the Volvo Ocean Race fleet. However, the legendary yachts start about 45 minutes before a parade in the port of Gothenburg. Your race will be 462 nautical miles. The meeting point for all Legends Race sailors and fans is the Whitbread bar in Gothenburg harbor. Ambassador of the Legends Race is none other than the Swedish doctor and navigator Roger Nilson, who has contested the race seven times himself.
At home in Rostock: "Ospa" and "Glashäger"