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The Swedish Ship Götheborg is a full-scale replica of the historical ship that mysteriously ran aground outside the inlet of Gothenburg harbour on 12 September 1745. The construction of the ship has taken more than ten years to complete as she has been built using traditional material, techniques and craftsmanship.

The objective has been to, one day sail along the same historical route to China like traditional East Indiamen did in the 18th century and last month she finally left her home port of Gothenburg bound for China. Stops along the route include Cadiz, Spain; Recife, Brazil; Fremantle, Australia; Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, South Africa; and Jakarta, Indonesia.

AB Volvo is one of the projects main sponsors, President of AB Volvo Leif JOHANSSON explained the connection, 'The Volvo Ocean Race and the Swedish Ship Götheborg are both global projects that for us combine important values such as entrepreneurship, friendship, quality, safety, environment and not the least, adventure.'

'For us it was evident to choose the route via Vigo and Sanxenxo on our way to Cadiz when we were asked if we wanted to kick off the Volvo Ocean Race. There are strong connections between ourselves and Volvo, for one Gothenburg is the home port for both Volvo and the Swedish Ship Götheborg', said Stellan MJÄRDNER, President at SOIC.

With four days to go until the Volvo Open 70's set off to Cape Town on the first ocean leg of the race, there is a flurry of activity in the marina as the teams squeeze in last minute maintenance, minor adjustments and training. This is particularly true of the Australian team Premier Challenge, who arrived in Sanxenxo on Friday night and now have a big challenge ahead of them to pass through measurement and get the boat ready for the leg start on Saturday.

For a complete list of all the news about the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006 CLICK HERE.