Volvo Penta is the official supplier to the Volvo Ocean Race, providing each of the Volvo Ocean 65 sailing boats with a D2-75 engine with Saildrive, hands-on engine maintenance and support, as well additional power during the race stopovers
The Volvo Penta D2-75 engines have already done one lap around the world, covering approximately 39,000 nautical miles during the 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race. The Volvo Ocean 65 boats and Volvo Penta engines from 2014-15 will now race around the world for a second lap of 46,000 nautical miles, thanks to the same boat design for the two race editions.
Each of the Volvo Ocean 65 boats will be equipped with one D2-75 engine for both auxiliary and propulsion needs. The engine is there when needed as a primary propulsion source ? for safe navigation in and out of harbours, as well as a potential lifesaving instrument in case of an emergency.
During the actual race, the gearboxes are sealed, but the engine is used to power the boats? total demand for electricity for computers, navigation equipment, lights and communication units onboard. Additionally, the engine onboard provides power to the batteries to run the water maker, which converts salt water into drinking water. The engine delivers the onboard energy required through two, 24V alternators, which stores the energy in two Lithium Ion batteries.
?The conditions of the Volvo Ocean Race are extreme and not only push the boats and sailing crew to the limit, but, also, all the equipment,? commented Mark Turner, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race. ?We need to ensure everything onboard is 100 per cent reliable. Volvo Penta provides the perfect engines to suit these extreme conditions.?
?These boats have been built for two editions of the race and we have so much faith in the condition of the engines that we have not replaced them; we are confident they are up for a second trip around the world,? he added.
