NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND — How Sam ever ended up as a Volvo Ocean Race Onboard Reporter, telling the story, in words, pictures and video, of Chinese contender Dongfeng is inspiring. How he, at 26, managed to be there when she sailed into her home port, winning the leg from Abu Dhabi to Sanya, China, is complicated and bittersweet. I imagine that those who know Sam would agree that he earned his break.
In a few days, my son, Sam, along with eight crewmates and the entire Volvo fleet, will blow into Newport, R.I., for a twelve-day stopover before crossing the Atlantic for Portugal.
For the uninitiated, the Volvo Ocean Race is a grueling 39,000-mile, around-the-globe voyage. Now in its twelfth edition, The Volvo has, arguably, replaced the America’s Cup as the greatest event in competitive sailing. Matching some of the world’s best sailors to a fleet of one-design, high performance racing yachts means a new lease on life for a once-stuffy, elitist sport. The Volvo Ocean Race is an odyssey of endurance.
Volvo stopovers are usually staged in large cities, but most will agree that the hearts beating patiently in Newport likely will be the warmest and most welcoming. Newport loves sailing… it’s an unofficial synonym for sailing. With roots in naval history and the America’s Cup, Newport has been not only a playground for the pampered and privileged, it’s one of America’s finest strategic and recreational ports.
Soon, the smallest state in the union, the tiniest city ever to host the Volvo Ocean Race will greet these six teams, along with their eight Americans throwing a huge welcome home party. “When somebody drives across the Newport Bridge, or up Route 24, the whole town is going to be painted Volvo!” Brad Read, executive director of Sail Newport, is on tenterhooks in anticipation of the opening of the Volvo Race Village at Fort Adams. The boats are expected to arrive May 5.
“Over four million dollars went into new piers. That’s where the fleet will dock,” he adds. He explains that the new pier will greatly expand Sail Newport’s ability to host international sailing events of the caliber of The Volvo Stopover. Boats sailing on the sparkling sea are not only pretty to watch from a silhouetted distance, they mean smooth sailing for the Newport economy.
So, in real time, sort of, what are some of the sailors on Dongfeng looking forward to when they land in Newport?
“Seafood! I can’t wait to have my first lobster,” says Horace Chen, Bowman/Trimmer
“A real American burger!” says Thomas Rouxel, Watch Leader
“A good lobster,” says Eric Peron, Helsman/Trimmer
¿”Seeing my daughter. And also I like this place, Newport. I like the people, they’re cool and simple and all around Newport is really beautiful because the coast is incredible.” Pascal Bidégorry, Navigator
“I went only one time, but I like this place because I like sailing and they have a history of sailing. I feel comfortable in this kind of place.” Charles Caudrelier, Skipper¿¿
“We have high expectations for Newport. Auckland and Brazil were massive, but Newport is loaded with die-hard fans. I’m looking forward to a Zelda burger. Getting to share home with all the crew is going to be a real treat.” Sam Greenfield, Onboard Reporter.
The Race Village opens May 5, free of charge to the public.
The Boatyard, sail lofts, a Kids Zone, and numerous interactive exhibits will be open free to the public, including live concerts and an “exploration zone” with unprecedented emphasis on sustainability. The event culminates, May 16 with an in-port race, boasting an intimate view of the action off of Fort Adams. The next day features an America’s Cup 12 Meter Yacht Parade, leading to the start of Leg 7.
For directions and a complete schedule of hours and events: http://www.volvooceanracenewport.com
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to change a typo: cremates to crewmates.
