The next edition of the Ocean Race, one of the toughest competitions in the sailing sport, has been scheduled for October 2022. The event will start from Alicante, Spain in October 2022 and finish off in Genova, Italy in 2023, the year that marks the 50th anniversary of this prestigious race.
This international sailing competition has scheduled stops in ten international cities across six continents. The organisers, for the first time in the history of the race, have released the confirmed event schedule for the next 10 years. A feasibility study for the European race slated for the next summer is also underway. This 10-year plan is a result of an effort to help the sailors, sailing teams, partner cities, and associates across the world to face the changing reality during the current pandemic crisis as well as through the post COVID-19 times. The organisers have invested time to collaborate and develop a positive way forward to an improved and stable future for all stakeholders.
The impact of COVID-19 on sailing, just like any other sport, has called for strategic planning involving the stakeholders and consultants to device a path forward in the current circumstances impacted by COVID-19 and beyond, through the changing sporting landscape.
Richard Brisius, the Race Chairman of The Ocean Race, shared “Since 1973, The Ocean Race has been one of the toughest challenges in sport. Winning teams have showcased that proper preparation is the foundation for success. We now find ourselves in unprecedented times and our first priority is with all those who have been and continue to be affected by the pandemic.”
“Winning The Ocean Race is still a big ambition for me”, says Peter Burling, Olympic and America’s Cup champion. He debuted in the Ocean Race in 2017-18.
“I know how much effort and planning and preparation it takes to put together a successful campaign. Building in this extra year ahead of the next race increases the likelihood of strong, well-prepared teams being ready on the start line in Alicante. I think this is a well-considered and good decision.”
A six-time race veteran and the co-founder of W-Ocean Racing, Chris Nicholson says, “The world has changed with COVID-19 and again we will witness the resilience of sailors, stakeholders and organisers of The Ocean Race. We have all lost significant time right at the crucial moment and this change is the right move. This will now allow us the time again to re-focus our efforts and be part of this great event.”
Racing with Purpose
Racing with Purpose, the prizewinning sustainability programme, is built upon the commitment to create a healthy marine ecosystem. Innovative workshops and summits are planned as part of this program, and the Genoa, Italy will be hosting the first edition. As an effort to inculcate the values in children, Racing with Purpose has developed a multi-lingual, curriculum-based immersive learning programme for school children, helping them understand the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on ocean ecosystem and our planet. It tells them how they can participate and contribute to the good cause. On the racing front, they are continuing to expand their ground-breaking innovations such as state-of-the-art technology using renewable energy on their racing boat classes like VO65 and IMOCA 60.
