Volvo Ocean Race Stopover in Kochi- An Overview

Last week saw the much-awaited event in Kochi- Volvo Ocean race stop over.
Neither the terrorist siege nor the pirate threat could cast a shadows on the mega event. The event marked Kochi in the maps of international ocean tourism map. The Volvo Ocean Race started its journey from Aliconte in Spain and had stopped over at Cape Town, South Africa. Kochi is its second stopover. The Race covers over 39000 nautical miles covering 4 continents and 11 countries.

The Race Village was inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister for Labour PK Gurudasan. On his inaugural speech he said that the Stopover would contribute towards the tourism and investment growth in the state. He said the state is proud to host such an event of international recognition. The two acre Race Village included the various commercial stalls, exhibition pavilions and housing facilities for the race members, officials, and media persons. The organizers had arranged various programmes for the public including cultural feast by renowned artists. The Chandrayaan stall of ISRO(Indian Space Research Organisation) was the center of attraction.

The power paragliding event by world champion Mathieu Rounet also unfurled at the Race Village before hundreds of spectators. In the Snake Race held at the Mattanchery Channel ,Puma Sreeganesh chundan of Tiruvarpu Boat Club captained by James Kutty won the first place. Southern Air Command conducted sky-diving and air display. Kochi-Kavaratti offshore race was also an event of attraction.

By inaugurating the closing ceremony , Union Minister for Tourism, Ambika Soni told that the Kochi has proved to the world that terror threats would not affect the country’s travel and tourism industry . The public shook hands with the sailors and took their pictures as they moved to the boat one by one. It was estimated that almost 50000 people thronged to the Race Village during weekdays and for sure the number would be much more during the weekends to see the cultural programmes and exhibits.