Volvo Ocean Race: ‘Fly by’ hits Aarhus, Denmark

In a mild breeze, the Volvo Ocean Race hit Aarhus’ inner harbor with a ‘Fly By’. Thousands of spectators had gathered to witness first-hand the drama about the podium, while more than one million followed the race online. 

22 June, 2018 - The world's longest offshore sailing competition visited Aarhus today on the last and shortest legs of the Volvo Ocean Race. The crews had been heading for Denmark from Gothenburg to make a 'fly by' in Denmark on the way to Dutch The Hague. 

A vibrant mix of youthful energy and a blast from the past makes Aarhus a city with an energetic beat. Aarhus has a strong link to the sea and sailing. This year not only does the Volvo Ocean Race make its very first appearance to Danish shores but Aarhus will host the Hempel Sailing World Championships from 30 July to 12 August, a qualifying event for the Olympics 2020.

Today's event was also a small preview of how the city and especially the new harbor area with the International Sailing Center will stage international sailing events.

The director of Sport Event Denmark was also very pleased with the Volvo Ocean Race short visit and with the focus the race has put on Aarhus and Denmark nationally and internationally:

"Today we have seen the Formula 1 of the Oceans, the Volvo Ocean Race, ‘Fly By’ Aarhus and, in six weeks, the world's elite in all Olympic boat classes will come the World Sailing Championships also here in Aarhus. There was a festive celebration of sailing on the harbor today and the festivity will continue in August, because the new harbor area is designed for vivid activities on land and on the water. The many major international sailing events brand Denmark as a sailing nation and destination, "says Lars Lundov, CEO of Sport Event Denmark, that partners both today's ‘Fly By’ and the Hempel Sailing World Championships in August.

Today's 'Flyby' of the fleet was staged by the City of Aarhus together with Sport Event Denmark.