Volvo Ocean Race Stopover

Melbourne plays host to Volvo drivers who don’t fit the stereotype

The City of Melbourne was the third stop for the 2005-2006 Ocean Race held between 5 November 2005 and 17 June 2006. Seven (7) boats took part in the race that made stops in ten (10) countries, with ABN Amro 1 taking out both the in-port race in Melbourne and the overall title.

Located in the heart of the Victorian Docklands in Melbourne Australia, the Victorian Government joined with event organisers to create a vibrant, bustling village for the Melbourne stopover leg of the round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race. The EPG team were engaged to provide the event organisers with operational management services to include on-ground event logistics support during the event. Additionally, our team managed the event overlay & infrastructure build for the temporary village at Waterfront City in the Docklands which included facilities for team and shore crew services, yachting and race services, sponsorship activation, merchandise and athlete & event catering.

We provided event logistics services and spectator services to the village, which attracted over 310,000 visitors to the precinct during the three week Melbourne stopover. Spectators were able to watch activities on two of the most cutting edge screens to be installed in an Australian outdoor venue, while also enjoying a large program of free entertainment and cultural activity, free sailing on Victoria Harbour, yacht displays and access to quality local food and wine through the ‘Melbourne Food and Wine on the Water’ program.