Date:30/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/08/30/stories/2008083050882100.htm

Back Temporary marina for Ocean Race

Our Bureau

Kochi, Aug. 29 Ocean Blue Marinas and Boat Haven, Mumbai, will build temporary marina for the berthing of world’s fastest racing yachts during their stopover at Kochi Port.

An agreement has been signed in this regard by Mr Cyril C. George, Secretary, Cochin Port Trust (on behalf of the Consortium of Cochin Port Trust and Kerala Tourism) and Dr Malav Shroff (on behalf of Ocean Blue Marinas and Boat Haven) here.

The seven racing yachts of Volvo Ocean Race are expected to arrive in Kochi from Cape Town on December 3 after sailing for about 18 days covering about 4,450 nautical miles non-stop by garnering the power of winds.

This leg of the race is expected to bring plenty of new challenges to the team members, as most of them are new to this new sailing route and its temperamental weather conditions.

On completion of this second leg of the race at Kochi, the yachts will be docked at the proposed temporary marina for 10 days before they start the third leg of the race to Singapore on December 13.

The proposed state-of-the-art temporary marina will be 200 metres long and 5 metres wide and will be placed alongside the BTP berth of the port.

The approximate cost of this temporary marina is Rs 80 lakh, which is being mobilised through sponsorships. Cochin Port will soon be at the realm of high-spirited racing action as the count down has started for the ultimate sailing . The Race will start its round of the world marathon on October 11.