Exactly like the world class professional sailing teams competing in the Volvo Ocean Race for real, players of the game will use live weather data to help them choose the fastest track and the optimum sail combinations to navigate their virtual boats around the world as quickly as possible.

 

Created by multiplayer online gaming specialists United Games, the all-new game will be launched on October 29, the day of the in-port racing in Alicante, and features many enhancements over the previous version which attracted over 220,000 players during the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race.

 

The 2011-12 game will be available to play on Facebook and on the Volvo Ocean Race website, as well as on several major news and sporting sites. For the first time, players will also be able to access the Volvo Ocean Race Game on iPhones and Android devices.

 

Facebook players will be able to tag friends and check how they are faring against them as well as sharing the game with other Facebook users. A built in "Friend Bar" within the game interface will enable all players to create and interact with their own communities as they play the game. Players will also be able to post to Facebook and Twitter directly from the game itself.

 

Other enhancements mean that the latest version will be significantly faster than previously and will enable novice players to quickly become proficient, while also challenging more expert players. Entry in the game is free but players will be able to purchase extra credits to access special features and information.

 

In addition to the top prize of a Volvo XC60, the second placed player will receive a unique timepiece, presented by IWC Schaffhausen, the official timekeeper of the Volvo Ocean Race and the Volvo Ocean Race Game.

 

Third prize will be a VIP Formula 1 motor racing hospitality package, including accommodation and access to the drivers' paddock, presented by Volvo Ocean Race logistics partner DHL.