The Volvo Ocean Race Itajaí stopover opened with a bang on Thursday evening in front of thousands of visitors.
Dignitaries including Volnei Moratoni, the Mayor of Itajaí and Eduardo Pinho Moreira, Governor of Santa Catarina State joined Volvo Ocean Race President Richard Brisius and Race winner and Brazilian Olympic legend Torben Grael to kick off the two week stopover, the third time that the race has visited Santa Catarina.
Thousands of visitors packed the ceremony to hear live music and speeches from the dignitaries before the gates to the Race Village – featuring a host of interactive and immersive experiences and elements – were thrown open.
Three boats have already docked into Itajaí after a tough Leg 7 – with Turn the Tide on Plastic and MAPFRE expected to arrive in the next 72 hours.
