Yachting: Auckland's plan to host Volvo

Auckland is expected to be bracketed as a stopover for the 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race after a lengthy campaign to return the prestigious race here.

The bid is part of a local government strategy to enhance the city's reputation as a sailing destination.

Up to 80 ports want to host a stopover for the round-the-world race.

Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton, who has sailed in four round-the-world campaigns, said while Auckland cannot match the cash of other cities, history is on the city's side.

"The context of the Auckland Volvo stopover bid is around hosting a perfect stopover as opposed to being able to financially support the race itself by paying a fee," said Dalton.

Dalton said Volvo Ocean Race chief executive Knut Frostad understood Auckland's history in the race.

"He can still remember the races down the coast with Steinlager and Fisher & Paykel and Toshiba and all those famous legs into Auckland."

The Volvo Ocean Race last had a stopover in Auckland in 2001-02, before moving to Melbourne.

Counting against Auckland is the fact there is unlikely to be a New Zealand entrant in the race. Dalton said a New Zealand boat would capture the public's interest.