Ocean Race helps Volvo set a fresh course for growth

Volvo Ocean Race, the biggest offshore race and the longest sporting event in the world, started on Saturday in Spain, with China accounting for the largest number of participants.

Seven boats, which will visit 11 ports on five continents on the way to the final stopover in Gothenburg, Sweden in June 2015, departed from Alicante on Saturday. The seven teams are from Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, China, the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark along with a joint team from the United States and Turkey.

The Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and industrial engines, is sponsoring the race. According to the company, it is the first time that an actual Chinese team is participating in the event.