1997–98 Whitbread Round the World Race
| Edition | 7th |
|---|---|
| Competitors | 10 |
| Yachts | Whitbread 60 |
| Results | |
 Gold |
EF Language |
 Silver |
Merit Cup |
 Bronze |
Swedish Match |
|
← 1993–94
2001–02 →
|
|
The 1997–98 Whitbread Round the World Race was the seventh edition of the around-the-world sailing event Whitbread Round the World Race. The Whitbread Round the World Race ran for the first time with all W60 boats and to a "points vs time" (instead of aggregate leg time) scoring system to enhance the value of the shorter race legs.
Also, in an effort to attract additional media coverage, the Whitbread race committee divided the race into no less than 9 legs for the 1997 to 1998 race, therefore increasing the number of ports visited.
Volvo had its first major association with the race in 1997 to 1998 by sponsoring the trophy (thus the race was officially known as the Whitbread 'round the world race for the Volvo Trophy) and some of the media coverage. For the first time running to W60-only specification, this year's Whitbread attracted just 10 entries—the fewest to date.
Led by Neil Barth and skippered by Ross Field, the team bought Yamaha before building America’s Challenge. The team struggled for funding and withdrew from the race in Cape Town. The crew included a group of New Zealanders, including Jared Henderson, and the UK's Matthew Humphries.
Skippered by Hans Bouscholte, the crew included Roy Heiner, Gerald Rogivue and Peter van Niekerk.
Skippered by 57-year old George Collins, the crew included John Kostecki, Juan Vila, Gavin Brady and Ken Read.
EF Language was skippered by Paul Cayard and included a core crew from his AmericaOne challenge for the 2000 America's Cup.Lawrie Smith was originally intended to lead the boat, until transferring to Silk Cut. The crew included Steven Erickson and Magnus Olsson
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