New Race Director Appointed For Volvo Ocean Race

New Zealander Jack LLOYD, a well known figure in international yacht racing, has joined the Volvo Ocean Race as its new Race Director.

Jack LLOYD, 54, was Chairman of the International Jury for the 2005-06 race after serving as a member of the jury for two previous races.

LLOYD, who takes over from Andy HINDLEY, completes the race Management line-up for the 2008-09 race following last month’s appointment of Norwegian Knut Frostad as CEO who took over from Glenn BOURKE, who returned to Australia.

LLOYD said he was looking forward to the new challenge. “I understand the need to marry sponsors’ demands with the requirement to stage a competitive and fair race for the competitors.”

“I am very much looking forward to working with the teams around the world and am delighted that I have been chosen for this role,” he added.

FROSTAD said LLOYD brought vast experience from professional race management. “He was not only involved in the America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race as an umpire but has also been part of a number of professional sailing teams.”

LLOYD has been an International Umpire since 1993 and an International Judge since 1996. He is an ISAF International Umpire Test Administrator and is Chairman of the Test Administration Group.

LLOYD has completed two America’s Cups as an umpire and jury member and has been Rules Advisor to both OneWorld in 2002-03 and Emirates Team New Zealand in the 32nd America’s Cup sailed last year in Valencia.

FROSTAD said LLOYD’s appointment was part of his goal to raise the level of the race’s sporting platform to strengthen its position as the premier offshore racing event among the sailors.

“I truly believe that with Jack in charge of all our on-the-water activities we are on the right track to reach our ambitions,” he said.

“Our plans are far more advanced now they have ever been at this period of the event in the past and with Jack on board I feel that we have chosen the very best person for the highly demanding job of Race Director,” he added.

Volvo Ocean Race – www.volvoceanrace.org