Volvo Ocean Race to get local flavour

Kochi, Oct 15 (UNI) The world's fastest yatchs are racing to Cochin Port and Kerala is getting ready to give the event a local flavour.

While no in-port races have been scheduled during the ten-day stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race here from December three, the participating teams would get an opportunity to try their hands in the traditional ''chundanvalloms'' (snake boats) on the Kerala backwaters.

Talking to newspersons here today, Cochin Port Trust (CPT) Chairman N Ramachandran said cricket matches were also being planned between the visitors and the local teams.

Fashion shows, cultural performances and celebrity events were also on the anvil to give thousands of foreign and domestic tourists, expected to converge in Kochi for the event, a taste of the local culture.

The Indian Navy and the Yatching Association of India were also planning a number of events, including an expedition from Kochi to Lakshadweep. Paragliding and parasailing were also being scheduled, he said.

Cochin Port Trust was also working on a high-end 'coffee table' book on the Kochi city and the Volvo Ocean Race stopover here. The book would be released at the Qinghdao stopover of the race in China.

Mr Ramachandran said four luxury cruise liners had already confirmed their arrival in Kochi during the Volvo Ocean Race stopover and a fifth one was also in the pipeline.

In view of the general security situation in the country, tight security measures, including frisking, would be implemented for the entry of the general public into the race village.

Entry for the general public to the race village would be free.

UNI ARC DS SB GC1849