Cochin, India - VOR Stopover December 2008

Created by sue. Last modified on 2008-11-06 18:32:02
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Countries: India

Update 1 November 2008
Nothing as yet has been realised for visiting yachts in Cochin. No building activity has begun on the proposed site for the VOR stopover.

Update to below News Article from Cruisers currently in Cochin
27 September 2008

Whilst the KYA have grand plans for the VOR Stopover in Cochin (see news article below), it seems those on the ground have less confidence. Reports show that it looks like there is going to be some facility, however likely at very high prices.

Plans of erecting pontoons for visiting yachts in Cochin are in progress by the Kerala Yachting Association and the first should be ready at the beginning of November 2008. Noonsite will assess the situation as it develops and will inform visitors as soon as there is noticeable berthing facilities available on the spot. As we will for entry formalities and further changes during the Volvo Ocean Race.

The Race is expected to visit Cochin between the 3rd and 13th of December. For the moment however it is not clear whether it will be possible to go out to see the incoming yachts, nor if it possible to visit the start of the Race.

For more information on Cochin go here.

VOR Stopover Cochin, India
03-13 December 2008
Published 21 September

Kerala Yachting association (www.keralayachting.com), under the aegis of the Yachting Association of India, are planning to develop a village (other than the official VOR Race Village) in Cochin as a support function for The Volvo Ocean Race in the following manner;

a) Temporary berthing facility for visiting yachts within the Cochin Port area facilitating the VOR visitors. Note: the Marina being established along with services are temporary in nature (as the Govt. is constructing a World Class facility, which should be ready by March 2009).

b) A yachting village is being developed for accommodating the visiting yachtsmen and tourists.

c) Tour packages are also made available for visitors combining VOR programmes as well as tourists destinations. The packages include accommodation, break fast, cultural programmes, exhibition etc. in an economical manner during the VOR event.

The local yachting Association are doing everything they can to make the VOR event in Cochin a big success. For Cruising sailors interested in finding out more about berthing in Cochin during the VOR stopover, prices and facility details are available here - www.kochiyachting.com. An on-line booking facility is also available.

Planned list of Events during and after the VOR Stopover

03-04 - Boats arrive Cochin from South Africa.

Snake Boat Race
Traditional row boats of Kerala. You can find more info on the Kerala Tourism Website about this.

Naval Band Display
The countries most established band will perform for the audience.

Sailing Race
In port race in dinghies, which will have combination of local and foreign yachtsmen. Boats will be provided by the YAI.

Sky Diving Display
Sky Divers will jump from 25,000 ft over the Race Village with flags of each participating Country and also on another day with Sponsors' flags. Total of 28000 Sq ft of cloth will be used for the flags.

Microlite Display
Microlite pilots will display their skills in the harbour and over the Race Village.

Kochi - Kavaratti - Kochi/Goa Offshore Race
Starts on 13 December after the Volvo restart. Attractive prizes, fun and a chance to visit the Islands of Lakshadweep. Two categories of boats; <25 ft and second > 25 ft.

Country Specific Days
On 5 to 12 Dec (celebrating each participating country's presence) at the Race Village. Cuisine, dress, drama, dance etc.

There are of course many other activities planned at the Race Village such as;
T 20 cricket match - VOR Teams and Local Indian team
Fashion Show
Traditional Kerala marriage solemnized for foreign couples - there are 17 such volunteer couples as of date
Mini pooram – elephant dance and show
Kerala music and dance festival
Boat show
Craft village - traditional Kerala wares on show
Sea food and spices festival - traditional stuff
Handloom festival
Travel and tourism fair
Ayurveda village - again a specialty of this region