AkzoNobel named as official supplier to the Volvo Ocean Race Boatyard

AkzoNobel has been announced as the official coatings supplier to the Volvo Ocean Race Boatyard in 2017 to 2018, after signing a deal to ensure that the Volvo Ocean 65 fleet will be coated with its International and Awlgrip range of products.

Competing boats, including team AkzoNobel’s brand new Volvo Ocean 65, have already been coated with Awlgrip products, while the keel of each is protected with International coatings.

Alberto Slikta, managing director of AkzoNobel’s Speciality Coatings business said, “As the world’s leading supplier of marine and yacht coatings, we’re delighted to be partnering with the Volvo Ocean Race as an official Boatyard supplier.

“The race is the ultimate test of performance and, given our long association with the sea, it’s the perfect showcase for the company’s market-leading products.”

According to Volvo Ocean Race, AkzoNobel has developed unique and custom colours for every team in the race, with the partnership ensuring that the boats will continue to look the part throughout thanks to expert aftercare from AkzoNobel’s International yacht business.

The company will be supplying all coatings required for repairs and maintenance in each stopover, and will also provide technical expertise when required to supervise the application process in host cities around the world.

Nick Bice, chief technical development officer at Volvo Ocean Race added, “As part of the refit process, the exterior painting is a critical part of getting the Volvo Ocean 65s another lap around the world. Fortunately, throughout this process, the Boatyard was fully supported by one of the best in the business in AkzoNobel.

“From representatives on site in Lisbon to full technical support from around the globe, if there was ever a question to be answered, they were here. Stay tuned to see these eye-catching repainted boats in the next edition of the race.”

The Volvo Ocean 65 fleet will leave Alicante in October 2017 and race around the world, taking in Lisbon, Cape Town, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Auckland, Itajai, Newport, Cardiff and Gothenburg before the big finish in The Hague at the end of June 2018. 

For more information, visit AkzoNobel or Awlgrip.