I would like to enter the VELUX 5 OCEANS 2010-11? Who do I contact?

If you are an aspiring skipper, please contact our Race Secretary Kiny Parade (kparade@velux5oceans.com), who will be able to provide advice and assistance on how to enter the next edition of the race.

Are you expecting to change the race format for 2010/11?

The actual planning of VELUX 5 OCEANS 2010-11 is in its final stages and we plan to have the final race format in place within the coming months. We are constantly seeking input from industry experts, sponsors and skippers to create an event that appeals to a wide range of competitors.

The VELUX 5 OCEANS is seeking to create a new dimension in ocean racing and break the mould. Not only will this be a truly global race in terms of skippers and stopovers, but it will be inclusive and open. We are seeking to assist skippers and boat sponsors in a number of ways to create a low cost event, thus increasing the relative returns on investment. A low cost event will also appeal to a wider group of sailors and sponsors. 

Where does the race start?

The race will start from Europe and the race management team are in advanced discussions with a number of cities.

What is the planned route?

The race will have stopovers in Australasia and the East Coast of the USA. We are also considering stopovers in South Africa and South America. We will take advice from interested skippers and sponsors as to the potential benefits of additional stopovers and a preferred route. The race management team are in negotiations with interested cities across the world.

When does the race start?

The race will start in the fourth quarter of 2010 and run through mid-2011.

What will the winners receive?

There will be a significant prize money pot, which will be announced in the near future.

Is your race open to IMOCA Open 60 skippers?

Yes. The VELUX 5 OCEANS is open to all IMOCA 60 skippers and anyone with the skill and ambition to take up the Ultimate Solo Challenge with a safe and well funded campaign.

How many skippers are currently interested in participating in V5O?

We are talking to a large number of the IMOCA Open 60 teams in UK, France and Spain, as the VELUX 5 OCEANS platform is extremely attractive to a number of the global sponsors with worldwide operations. Equally, we are in discussions with rising stars in the world of the Figaro circuit, the Class 40 and many other sailing fields to gauge interest in solo round the world racing. The race organisation has a number of assets (financial and professional) in order to help aspiring skippers to make the start line with a well funded and safe campaign.

What is your skipper recruitment strategy?

The VELUX 5 OCEANS is seeking to be global and open. We are initiating a sophisticated and professional skipper recruitment program to engage with potential yacht sponsors within the IMOCA arena.

Our key initiative is to deliver a skipper incentivisation package that provides significant value in kind back to the teams. We have had personal meetings with all the major sponsors and sailors and created a shopping list of the most important cost factors to nullify or limit. The VELUX 5 OCEANS management team includes a dedicated Business Development Manager whose mission is to deliver major value in kind within these key areas. These include freight/shipping/logistics, communications (at sea, imagery, transmission and recording, etc) and on land expenses (accommodation, transport, team costs).

What benefits does the V5O offer to skippers and sponsors?

The VELUX 5 OCEANS is the only solo around the world race with stopovers. With a committed and dedicated title sponsor onboard, and with 3 years to prepare, the event is packed with potential for any sponsor seeking a truly international platform for engaging and value-enhancing exposure. The last race proved that the VELUX 5 OCEANS delivers global, high value media coverage. The next event will provide the ideal event platform for corporate hospitality and public interaction at prestigious venues around the world.

The race management has the budget and experience to provide cutting edge media collateral, content and systems to communicate the stories of the skippers to a global audience and deliver un-paralleled returns for sponsors.

What size fleet are you hoping to attract? From which countries?

We are hoping for a fleet of 10-12 boats, with an internationally diverse selection of skippers.

What are your plans for race communication?

The VELUX 5 OCEANS aspires to be open, contemporary and cutting edge. We have the financial resources, knowledge, relationships and experience to create a communications package that maximises the event and creates significant media interest beyond the traditional sailing and sports audiences.