Small crowds for Volvo event

Docklands gained international recognition when the Volvo Ocean Race stopped by over the Christmas/New Year period.

The expected crowds did not materialise, but the Docklands Chamber of Commerce is satisfied that associated media coverage was good for Docklands in the longer term.

Pre-race, local organisers Mayo and Calder were predicting between 125,000 and 175,000 people would visit.

Locals report that the event would have been lucky to attract 10,000.

Commercial marketing manager Mathieu Shellard said in the lead up to the race that one of the three things that would attract Melburians to the event was “an abundance of alcohol being served”. The other elements, he said, were food and entertainment.

After the yachts left on January 2, the company didn’t want to talk about it.

Development Victoria’s acting general manager for precincts, Ronan Mellor, said: “Hosting a stop-over of this international event put the spotlight on Melbourne and Docklands in international media and online.”

“Event support and crew members also enjoyed our city and the majority of the crew stayed in Docklands and took advantage of its location, restaurants and other benefits.”