With the 2011-2012 Volvo Ocean Race almost upon us, here’s a chance to impress your mates by being knowledgeable about what went down during the last race.

ABOUT THE RACE:
Initially named the Whitbread Round The World Race dating as far back as 1973, this ultimate test of sailing endurance was rebadged The Volvo Ocean race in 2001-2002. Since its inception it’s been a world class sporting event filled with glamour, drama, blood, sweat and tears.  Dubbed by volvooceanrace.com as the “Everest of Sailing”, this 9 month event sees sailors and their yachts being put to the ultimate test of endurance, stamina and strength as they sail more than 39000 nautical miles in some of the world’s most treacherous seas. Some of the longer legs last up to 20 days at sea, where sailors are put through the most extreme conditions.  The race has not only port-to-port races, but in-port races as well.

THE DETAILS:
The most recent event was the 2008 – 2009 Volvo Ocean Race.

The route: Alicante - Cape Town - Kochi - Singapore - Qingdao - Rio de Janeiro - Boston - Galway - Stockholm - Gothenburg - St Petersburg
Overall Winner: Ericcson 4

Overall Scoreboard:
1st: 114.5 points - Ericsson 4
2nd: 105.5 points - Puma
3rd: 90.0 points - Telefonica Blue
4th: 78.5 points - Ericsson 3
5th: 67.0 points - Green Dragon
6th: 58.0 points - Telefonica Black
7th: 41.5 points - Delta Lloyd
8th: 10.5 points - Team Russia

Leg-by-leg Details:  (each event title has a click-through to the relevant report on Volvo Ocean Race’s Website).
Alicante In-Port Race
Date: 04 October 2008 Winner: Telefonica Blue

Leg 1: Alicante - Cape Town
Date: 11 October 2008  Distance: 6,500Nm Winner: Ericsson 4

Leg 2: Cape Town – Cochin                                                                                                                 Date: 15 November 2008 Distance: 4,450Nm  Winner: Ericsson 4

Leg 3: Cochin – Singapore
Date: 13 December 2008 Distance: 1,950Nm  Winner: Telefonica Blue

Singapore In-Port Race
Date: 10 January 2009 Winner: Ericsson 4

Leg 4: Singapore – Qingdao
Date: 18 January 2009 Distance: 2,500Nm Winner: Telefonica Blue

Qingdao In-Port Race
Date: 7 February 2009 Winner: Ericsson 4

Leg 5: Qingdao - Rio de Janeiro
Date: 14 February 2009 Distance: 12,300Nm Winner: Ericsson 3

Rio de Janeiro In-Port Race
Date: 04 April 2009 Winner: Telefonica Blue

Leg 6: Rio de Janeiro – Boston
Date: 11 April 2009 Distance: 4,900Nm Winner: Ericsson 4

Boston In-Port Race
Date: 9 May 2009 Winner: Telefonica Blue

Leg 7: Boston – Galway
Date: 16 May 2009 Distance: 2,550Nm Winner: Ericsson 4

Galway In-Port Race
Date: 30 May 2009 Winner: PUMA

Leg 8: Galway – Marstrand
Date: 6 June 2009 Distance: 1250Nm Winner: Ericsson 4

Leg 9: Marstrand – Stockholm
Date: 14 June 2009 Distance: 525Nm Winner: PUMA

Stockholm In-Port Race
Date: 21 June 2009 Winner: Telefonica Blue

Leg 10: Stockholm - St Petersburg
Date: 25 June 2009 Distance: 400Nm Winner: Telefonica Black