The Swedish capital of Stockholm was today announced as the final stopover for the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 before its finish in the Russian Baltic port of St Petersburg in July 2009. During the stopover (16 – 25 June 2009) Stockholm will also host an in-port race as well as a pro-am race in its famous archipelago.

Stockholm’s Mayor, Kristina Axén Olin, explained: “It is a fantastic opportunity for Stockholm to host a stopover in the Volvo Ocean Race. We will be able to present our beautiful capital city to many international visitors and [it] will be an excellent opportunity to promote our clean and green waterfront city.”

Glenn Bourke, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, responded: “This is a fantastic location and we are delighted that we have come to an agreement to bring our event to such a beautiful city. The fleet of Volvo Open 70s sailing into the harbour of Stockholm and mooring next to the royal castle will be a magnificent sight.”

Stockholm is the home port of Ericsson Racing Team which has two boats entered in the race, built by Killian Bushe in Stockholm.

The 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race, starting from Alicante in Spain on 4 October 2008, will span some 39,000 nautical miles, stop at around 11 ports, take nine months to complete, and for the first time take in ports in Asia.