Proud to support Team SCA in the 2014-2015 Volvo Ocean Race – said to be the toughest open ocean sailing regatta in the world – Tork points out the race’s extreme environment and conditions ‘will provide extreme challenges when it comes to hygiene, the core business of Tork Professional Hygiene’.
“Through this initiative we get an opportunity to work in close collaboration with Team SCA as they face these extreme challenges over a long period of time – where every detail matters to maximise performance. The Volvo Ocean Race will certainly put our business model and products to an ultimate test,” stated Sid Takla, Tork Professional Hygiene’s executive general manager.
“Tork provides away from home solutions and this is truly away from home. Managing the challenging conditions of the race will result in unique learnings for critical business factors, such as team work and operations excellence – relevant both for us and our customers – but also for future product development,” he explained.
Right now the crew is in the final stage of the 18-month preparation period for the race. Preparation includes everything from physical training to detailed planning on what quantity of equipment and products to bring onboard.
Weight is the most important factor, as it directly impacts the performance and speed of the boat. Product teams from Tork and other SCA brands are working in close collaboration with the crew to adjust and customise products and packaging to fit the specific conditions on board. Some products have been repacked in waterproof vacuum packaging to keep them dry and reduce weight.
“The things we use on board are quantified on a level that might seem absurd, but when it comes to planning, every detail matters. We have shifted from counting rolls of toilet paper to sheets of toilet paper in terms of what to bring on board,” pointed out Liz Wardley, boat captain, Team SCA.
Teams race around the world starting in Spain, visiting 11 ports including Auckland and cover nearly 40,000 nautical miles. The Volvo Ocean Race sets sail on October 4, 2014.
Support Team SCA by following Tork on facebook.com/TorkAustralasia