With 100 days to go until the sea-hardened yachting fleet arrives, permanent construction work on a specially-designed Destination Village -- the size of eight football pitches -- is now complete. We have today launched a specially-commissioned animated flythrough of the Destination Village. Open free of charge to the public from December 31st 2011-- 14th January 2012, the Destination Village will be packed with activities and entertainment including exhibitions, shows, simulators, hospitality, game zones, restaurants and cafes, sailing schools and shops.

On the other hand this edition for Abu Dhabi and the Volvo Ocean Race opens a new chapter in the Middle East's maritime history - representing the only time the region has achieved relevance within the 'Everest of Sailing'. It's a status which celebrates the emirate's, and the region's, rich maritime heritage within a distinctly modern context.