The Volvo Ocean Race 2008/2009 is on a stopover in Singapore until Sunday, January 18 and I went out to see if I could make some interesting photos last Sunday morning. This race began as the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1973/1974 and became the Volvo Ocean Race in 2001/2002.
When I arrived there were only 3 boats at the marina, and they all headed out for a day sail in less than an hour. Not being a VIP client of one of the race boat sponsors I didn't have access to getting really close to the boats, let alone a chance for a ride, unfortunately.
I guess I should add that I am not exactly an accomplished sailor. On my one and only sailing adventure on Lake Superior back in the early 1970s, I distinguished myself by throwing up all over the captain's (i.e., my older brother's) sleeping bag. Somehow, I don't think that would exactly qualify me to be a crew member of any of the boats in this race.
I made one image of the Team Delta Lloyd boat leaving port. This boat was the "runaway winner of the 2005/2006 race" according to the official race website (I suppose the crew wouldn't appreciate it if I mentioned that the boat is currently in last place).
The only 'action' photo that I managed was on what I suppose is best described as a 'closed course', sadly. Perhaps I can find some more intriguing photo ops if I go back this coming Sunday morning, when the boats are scheduled to depart on the next leg of the race, to Qingdao, China.