The Volvo Ocean Race 2005-06 received the Spanish Royal seal of approval last Friday with the announcement that His Majesty King Juan Carlos I will make an official visit to the host port of Sanxenxo on Friday 4 November.

His Royal Highness will meet the crews of the seven boats – a day before they do battle in the in-port race.

Glenn Bourke, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, said: “We are honoured that His Royal Highness has chosen to make an official visit to Sanxenxo. The crew members will relish the prospect of talking with him, given that he is an avid sailor. Who knows, he may even pass on a couple of tips for dealing with the tricky wind conditions we experience here in the bay. Being no stranger to elite yacht racing, I’m sure he will be impressed by the Volvo Open 70s.

“This is an exciting development for the race and for Galicia. It will add significantly to the high profile the Volvo Ocean Race already commands in the region as we build-up to the start of the in-port race in Sanxenxo on 5 November and the start of the ocean leg in Vigo seven days later.”

The King is extremely supportive of the Volvo Ocean Race; he hosted a reception at the Royal Palace in 2003 when Galicia was officially announced as the start port for the 2005-06 race.

His list of sailing credits include; runner up at the 2003 Admiral’s Cup, winner of the Spanish IMS Championships as well as being a regular competitor in the IMS and Transpac circuit.