Shirley Robertson OBE, Double gold medallist and TV Presenter

Pioneers of the Volvo Ocean Race

Is it tougher to race around the world today than it was nearly forty years ago?

This month on CNN Mainsail, Shirley is with pioneers who competed in the early editions of the Whitbread Round the World Race including the very first in 1973 and those who are currently heading for Cape Town in the first leg of the current edition of the race, now the Volvo Ocean Race.

This crewed lap of the planet by sail has in many ways changed beyond all recognition, but the essence is exactly as it was, sailors heading off into the unknown or an extraordinary adventure.

Today the professional crew are competing on carbon fibre boats, stacked with technology, everything from the clothing they wear to the food they eat, to the way they sail has changed. But.. has progress made life easier… or will the crews of the 2011 Volvo Ocean Race find life on board tougher then ever before.

Watch the show at the following times (all in times in GMT) or ONLINE HERE.
Thursday, December 12: 1030, 1730
Saturday, December 17: 0830, 2200
Sunday, December 18: 1730
Saturday, January 7: 1730
Sunday, January 8: 0830, 2200

Steinlager 2 – Ian Roman / Volvo Ocean Race