Spanish insurance group Mapfre has furthered its backing of the Volvo Ocean Race by returning to become the main sponsor of a team for the sailing event’s 2017-18 edition.
The Madrid-based company will support the self-titled team as the third confirmed entry for the Race, which starts from the Spanish port city of Alicante on October 22 and will take the teams on a 45,000-nautical mile route around the world. Dongfeng Race Team and team AkzoNobel announced their campaigns last year.
In the last edition in 2014-15, Mapfre won the leg into Auckland, New Zealand and secured three more podium finishes.
Mapfre president Antonio Huertas said: “We really value being involved in a sailing competition around the world that represents the same values that define us as a company. Our experience in the last edition, with a great team of professionals, committed and determined to do well in this race, was very positive.
“Additionally, the Volvo Ocean Race will have stopovers in some of our main markets, such as Spain, Brazil and the United States, and we will therefore increase brand awareness of Mapfre at an international level.”
Volvo Ocean Race chief executive Mark Turner added: “It’s fantastic news to be able to confirm a Spanish team for the next edition, and of course great to see another sponsor return to the race after a successful campaign.
“With Alicante recently confirmed as the start for the next three editions, and Spain having played a significant role in the history of the race in general, it will be great to see Spanish fans lined up again on the dock in October to cheer on their team, Mapfre.”