A mixed race between VO65 and IMOCA
The start of the first edition will be given from Lorient, in the Morbihan (56) on May 29. The event will host two different classes of boats - the original Ocean Race boats, the VO65s and the IMOCA boats, stars of the Vendée Globe.
This is the first time that the IMOCA fleet will participate in this mixed race, as The Ocean Race (round the world with stopovers) is now part of the class program.
The program includes a 2000-mile race with stopovers across Europe between Lorient (France), Cascais (Portugal), Alicante (Spain) and Genoa (Italy). The crews will leave France at the end of May before the grand finale in Italy three weeks later. Each stage will be scored equally. Each stage will last between three and four days, depending on distance and weather conditions.
- May 29 - Stage departure - Lorient, France
- June 5 - Coastal Race - Cascais, Portugal
- June 6 - Stage departure - Cascais, Portugal
- June 13 - Start of the stage - Alicante, Spain
- June 19 - Coastal Race - Genoa, Italy
During the stopovers, there will be two coastal races with bonus points awarded to the first three. Each race will last between 3 and 5 hours.
Each fleet will race in separate categories for their own Ocean Race trophy.
Crewed races
In the IMOCA category - of which 5 teams have been announced so far - all legs will have to have between 4 and 5 members for each leg, including at least one woman. Justine Mettraux will be on 11th Hour Racing and Marie Riou on Corum l'Epargne. The crew members will be able to change for each leg.
For the coastal regattas given during the stopovers, the teams must be composed of a minimum of three sailors.
For the VO65 one-designs, the crews will consist of a minimum of 7 sailors, including at least two women. For the coastal regattas, the number will be reduced to a minimum of 4. In the same way as for the IMOCA boats, crews may change between legs.
A sustainable development program
Throughout the race, The Ocean Race Europe will raise awareness of sustainable development with educational initiatives, onboard scientific data collection and environmental and social policy roundtables to promote solutions to preserve the health of the oceans and reduce the impact of climate change on the ocean.
Provisional list of registrants
Class VO65
- AmberSail2 (LIT)
- Austrian Ocean Race Project (AUT)
- Mirpuri Foundation Racing Team (POR)
- Sailing Team Poland (POL)
- Viva Mexico (MEX)
- VO65 - team six - confirmed - soon to be announced
- VO65 - team seven - confirmed - soon to be announced
IMOCA Class
- 11th Hour Racing Team (USA)
- Bureau Vallée (FRA)
- CORUM L'Épargne (FRA)
- LinkedOut (FRA)
- Offshore Team Germany (GER)
