The latest edition of the longest professional sporting event in the world starts from Alicante in eastern Spain next month.
Nearly nine months later, seven identical yachts will, it is hoped, sail into the Hague in the Netherlands after racing round the world.
The Volvo Ocean Race, one of the most gruelling yachting events, has gone back to its roots this year with a route running three times as far as last time through the Southern Ocean, where waves can top 100ft (30 metres) and winds reach 60 knots.
