The Costa Blanca is gearing up for one of the biggest events on the yachting calendar as Alicante prepares for the start of the Volvo Ocean Race.

Although the round-the-world event does not start until October 11th, the atmosphere is already bubbling up as competitors and fans are able to mingle freely at the race village in the city, the events website notes.

Last weekend 11,000 people visited the village and over a million are expected to come before the race starts, according to the head of the Alicante organising committee Nicolas Figueras.

Such an event may help enhance Alicante’s status as a sailing centre, attracting more tourists and in turn potentially providing more custom for rental holiday homes that Costa Blanca property investors have bought.

The lead up to the race is officially due to start today when the daughters of Spain’s King Juan Carlos launch two yachts at the port, La Manga Spain reports.

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