Volvo Ocean Race stopover manager announced

The Auckland stopover of the 2011-2012 Volvo Ocean Race will be managed by Tom Mayo, formerly chief executive of the 2010 World Rowing Championships at Karapiro.

The Volvo Ocean Race Local Organising Committee (LOC) today announced the appointment of Mr Mayo’s company Mayo& to run the stopover.

Committee chair Sir John Wells says the Volvo stopover is a “tremendous” chance to put Auckland in front of a global audience and to profile its world-class marine sector.

“Tom Mayo comes on board fresh from leading the rowing world championship at Karapiro, the largest sports event held in New Zealand since the 1990 Commonwealth Games.  He brings a wealth of experience and ability to the role and we are looking forward to the energy he will impart to this high profile marine event,” says Sir John.

As stopover manager, Mr Mayo will be responsible for the successful management of the overall event.  He will work closely with the LOC to deliver the stopover.

“Tom has extensive experience in managing events at the highest level and has a clear understanding of the vision and desired outcomes of the stopover.  He has considerable commercial acumen and a proven track record of securing the required financial support for major international events.  We are very confident that he will deliver the stopover on time and on budget for Auckland and New Zealand,” says Sir John.

In addition to his role at the World Rowing Championships last year, Mr Mayo was previously  Chief Operations Officer for the ITU World Triathlon Cup events in 2005-2007 and the ITU Oceania Cup 2006-2008.

Sir John Wells said the Volvo stopover will reinforce New Zealand’s position as an internationally recognised sailing and major events destination, and will create lasting benefits for the marine sector.

“Major events like the Volvo stopover make a significant contribution to the economic, social and cultural well-being of the region.  These events raise our global profile, draw tourists from overseas and from other parts of New Zealand and can instil in people a real sense of pride,” says Sir John.

The 2012 Volvo Ocean Race starts in Alicante, Spain, on 5 November 2011.  Five teams have confirmed their entries to date, with a further 20 prospective syndicates developing their plans.

Auckland’s race stopover runs from 8 to18 March 2012.  It will use the new Viaduct Events Centre currently under construction on Auckland’s waterfront as its primary base and also extend across Te Wero Island to the eastern side of the Viaduct.  The stop-over will include a harbour race, giving an opportunity for local people to see the yachts in action.