Imagine a sport where the combatants put themselves under the same level of stress as a soldier fighting on the front line of a war zone -- that's the reality of sailing in the Volvo Ocean Race. <br /><br />Sleep deprivation, biting cold, gasping heat, and freeze-dried food as the only nourishment on offer. Mountainous seas, 70 knot winds, the constant pounding of the waves causing stomachs to be set on spin cycle, every ounce of physical and emotional energy is stretched to the limit. <br /><br />The Volvo Ocean Race is the world's most challenging offshore yacht race which pits man against the elements in a gruelling global journey that lasts nine months and covers 37 000 nautical miles. The action starts for the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 from Alicante, Spain on 30th October 2011. <br /><br />For more updates and coverage of this epic event visit: http://www.volvooceanrace.com