Volvo Stop Over Race

This weekend was meant to be dedicated to the Australian Open in Melbourne to watch some of the worlds finest duke in out in the first grandslam of 2006.

What we didn't realize until we arrived, however, was the Volvo Around the World race stopover was also being held during the same time! What a bonus that was. For those who are unfamiliar with the race, its a sailboating race that begins in Spain and travels around the world. The first stops are in South Africa and the second one is in Melbourne before heading off to Brazil, US, UK and finishing off in Sweden. Each stopover will consist of a 3 week stay as the boats are repaired and supplies replenished.

For those who have ever been out in sea can truly understand the dangers that lay in this race and the mental and physical challenges these competitors must endure to compete. This weekend marked the arrival of the several boats and as we all anxiously waited, the first one finally arrived at 8:45pm in the evening!

It was amazing seeing the size of this maxi sail boat gently ride itself into the harbor to the applause of thousands of bystanders waiting to get a glimpse. This was then followed up with a spectacular fireworks display to end the night off...

- the lone asian