The Volvo Ocean race is one of its kind by the fact that it brings together great yachts which are technically advanced, elements of team work and great challenges. The Volvo Open 70 class which made its debut in the race of 2005-2006 would be the class for 2011-2012 as well. It had a record breaking debut and is the fastest monohull in the world. It is also the best ocean racing yacht out there.

First time in the race of the history has it happened that the schedule of the next race has been announced before the present one even started. Late summer or autumn of 2011 is the time chosen as most of the prospective teams requested enough time to plan the projects. One of the biggest offshore events it is set to have stopovers at France and Portuguese too. It was also called Whitbread Round the world race earlier and is a prestigious event for the participating yachts.