2001–2002 Volvo Ocean Race

Stopovers were added in Germany, France, and Sweden being the Volvo's three biggest car markets in Europe.

In addition the points system had been modified significantly in an effort to keep the race competitive until the final leg.

The previous "points" race having been effectively won two full legs before the final gun.

Assa Abloy's new composite mold technique proved very quick, but not quite quick enough, while long time Whitbread skipper Grant Dalton's two boat syndicate suffered badly from a lack of preparation time (the Amer boats were last in the water).

Lisa and Neal McDonald, skippers of rival boats, are husband and wife.