In September 2001 the Volvo Ocean Race will kick off. Many of the yachts taking part will be equipped with special sensors that will detect the colour of the ocean as they travel around the globe. Quentin Cooper talks to Dr Simon Boxall from the Southampton Oceanography Centre about what ocean colour can tell us about the state of our oceans and what Iies within them. Producer John Watkins. E-MAIL: material.world@bbc.co.uk