THE VISIT of the Whitbread Round the World Race last year was a great boost for Baltimore and Annapolis. The experience of the annual Bridge Walk looking down at the craft that crossed the world's oceans was unique.

So it's welcome that the quadrennial race, now the Volvo Ocean Race Round the World, is coming back in April 2002. How could they pass up the Chesapeake? The greatest crowds and attention to their transcontinental endurance test were here last time.

Beyond that, for a region putting itself forward as the best venue for the 2012 Olympic Summer Games, this is proof it is at home hosting an international sporting spectacle.

Pub Date: 4/23/99