IWC confirms its role as Official Timekeeper in the 12th Volvo Ocean Race scheduled for 2014-2015, thus renewing its commitment to the world's most demanding sailing competition that will see the brand-new Volvo Ocean 65 monohull yachts engage in a race around the globe covering almost 40,000 nautical miles (around 74,000 kilometres). With its duration of almost nine months, this competition has earned the nickname of "Everest" among sailing regattas. It also reaffirms its partnership with the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team, competing in the Volvo Ocean Race. "The Volvo Ocean Race is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular regattas in the world and we are proud to participate in this extraordinary test of sailing skill and expertise that attracts the world's best teams," says a delighted Georges Kern, CEO of IWC. "By confirming our partnership, we underline our long-term commitment to this event. The Volvo Ocean Race 2014-2015 will once again allow us to demonstrate our expertise in engineering, technology and innovation. As in the 2011-2012 edition, the watch manufacturer will sponsor the prestigious 24-hour IWC Schaffhausen Speed Record Challenge trophy: this prize will be awarded to the boat that has covered the greatest distance in 24 hours out of all the legs. After kicking off in Alicante (Spain) on 4 October 2014, the race will make stops in Cape Town (South Africa), Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Sanya (China), Auckland (New Zealand), Itajaí (Brazil), Newport (Rhode Island, USA), Lisbon (Portugal) and Lorient (France), before concluding in Gothenburg (Sweden) in 2015. In the Swedish town, the Swiss watch manufacturer will reward the men of the fastest crew over all distances covered in 24 hours with one of its watches.
