Volvo Ocean Race Yacht Team AkzoNobel Christened
Sailing fans flocked to a harbor in the Dutch city of The Hague yesterday to welcome team AkzoNobel’s new Volvo Ocean Race yacht, which was officially christened by the city’s Mayor.
With the start of the race just four months away, skipper Simeon Tienpont and his crew arrived in the Netherlands from Lisbon to a rapturous welcome, when dignitaries and supporters caught their first glimpse of the newly built boat.
“It’s a very special moment to have our new boat christened here in The Hague,” said Tienpont. “In many ways, the race starts right here and now for us. Hopefully when we cross the finishing line in The Hague in June next year, we will be in contention to win the Volvo Ocean Race for the Netherlands.”
Added Mayor of The Hague, Pauline Krikke: “We are very proud to partner with team AkzoNobel in the Volvo Ocean Race. I wish Simeon and his crew the best with their preparations between now and the start in October. As the host city for the finish of the race in June 2018, we stand by all the crews and we look forward to welcoming them safely home next year. The Volvo Ocean Race is a huge event, so we will make sure that the final stopover in The Hague is truly the race’s ‘Ultimate Destination’. The teams and their supporters can look forward to an unforgettable sporting experience, a convivial networking environment and a wonderful party atmosphere.”
Leslie McGibbon, Corporate Director of AkzoNobel, said it was a proud moment for the company, as well as the team: “This is a unique occasion which has created a lot of excitement,” he commented. “The boat looks fantastic and we are really looking forward to connecting with people around the world. It’s an incredible opportunity to highlight our color and coatings expertise while raising awareness for key global issues through our sustainability partnership with the Volvo Ocean Race.”
A flotilla of nine young Optimist dinghy sailors from the nearby Yacht Club proudly escorted the 65-foot team AkzoNobel yacht into the dock. This was followed by the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle on the bow of the team AkzoNobel yacht, which was performed by Mayor Krikke, accompanied by Deputy Mayor of The Hague, Karsten Klein.
All the boats competing in the race have been painted using AkzoNobel’s International and Awlgrip marine coatings. The striking livery on the hull of the team AkzoNobel yacht combines seven custom mixed colors in an intricate design, which took around 1,400 man hours to apply.
