It couldn’t have been better! Branded projection dome tent for Volvo Ocean Race

For the first time in history, we had the chance to witness geodesic dome tents designed specifically for the Volvo Ocean Race, the largest round-the-world sailing regatta. POLIDOMES geodesic tents served as mapping dome tent, and as brand showcases for the main organiser of the event – VOLVO.

The Volvo Ocean Race is a multi-stage round-the-world yacht race. The regatta has been held every three years since 1973, and since 2001 has been sponsored by Swedish car maker Volvo. It is the most prestigious event of its kind in the world, comparable to an F1 Grand Prix.

To complete the task of building a spherical cinema dome, we used a Polidome 300 geodesic dome. The organiser’s vision was to present the history and idea behind the Volvo Ocean Race to as many people as possible.

The 300m2 branded dome tent was able to house up to 150 people at a time. The spatial design and practicality of POLIDOMES geodesic marquee allowed for ease of movement and communication, making the job much easier for the cinema personnel. The Volvo Ocean Race 2014-2015 called at 11 ports on six continents.

den Haag, Polidomes

The teams participating in the Volvo Ocean Race in 2014 were as follows:

1. Team SCA – Sweden, for the first time in history consisting solely of women
2. Abu Dhabi – UAE
3. Dong Feng Race Team – China
4. Team Brunel – the Netherlands
5. Team Alvemedica – USA &Turkey
6. Mapfre – Spain
7. Team Vestas – Denmark

Apart from sporting events, Volvo offered a wealth of activities for all adults and children who visited the ports at which the Volvo Ocean Race teams dock. A Polidome 300 accompanied the VOR at all ports.

Our design, as a cinema darkroom, implemented a Ferrari two-tone shell, Pollywood flooring with water ballast to ensure not only quality, but – above all – the safety of the structure.

Our success at the Volvo Ocean Race showed that POLIDOMES is a premier partner in the organisation of events on a large scale. Due to the logistical constraints involved in this incredible undertaking (we are unable to move the equipment on time from one port to another), all VOR facilities are organised in duplicate.

The amount of equipment and construction is jaw-dropping: from sail sewing machines to full service, portable workshops and the like. The Volvo Ocean Race bought two identical POLIDOMES 300 projection geodesic dome tents with flooring. The structures alternated at each successive port, and thus could not be seen simultaneously in two different places.

The unique design, versatility and portability of our products, combined with their safety, durability and reliability, are the most important reasons to consider our Geodome marquees.

If you have any questions about our projects or marquees, don’t hesitate to contact us.