The Ocean Race: new race, new boat class, new rules

The Ocean Race: new race, new boat class, new rules

In its almost 50-year history, The Ocean Race, the original round-the-world yacht race, has already been “reset” several times and has been revived very abruptly.

The most significant stage in history The ocean race, there was a moment when her first sponsor Whitbread, in the early 90s, handed over the reins to the Swedish automotive giant Volvo... The second important stage of the race was the transition of the crews to boats of the same design, which made the race less amateur, more classic and, of course, commercially successful. This was a truly radical change, a kind of shake-up for the participants and organizers of the race.

Powerful teammates Volvo Ocean 65 - the class of racing yachts that participated in the races Volvo Ocean Race 2014–2015 and 2017–2018will all also start in the race The Ocean Race 2021-2022, but, along with several racing monohulls of the class IMOCA 60.

Volvo Ocean 65

That the race is for sale Volvo Motor Group announced back last year, but the company will still remain as a premium partner. The race is now owned by a Spanish company The Ocean Race 1973 SLU... It is led by Richard Brisius, Johan Salen and Jan Litborn. Brisius and Salen have been involved in the event over the years, but as crew managers and not in the management and organization of the race.

“I think they understand very well what this race needs to develop,” said the CEO. The Ocean Race Richard Mason... "They've been on the other side of the table for years and know the kind of race management you need to provide to get a strong fleet of competitors on the starting line." In fact, Mason says that six of the original eight VO65who participated in previous races will be at the start. He's also confident that two other boats will be picked up as well, so at least we can expect a decent fleet of "old" boats.

Volvo Ocean 65

However, the real thrill is partnering with IMOCA (International Monohull Open Class Association) to develop a new class for the next race, an idea that excites not only The Ocean Race, but also a large community IMOCA generally.

A problem faced by many skippers IMOCA 60trying to compose a program for Vendée Globe, the main event in their class, is that there are four years between races, which for the sponsor means a lot of downtime when they are not in motion and out of sight. Skippers can now offer sponsors a package that includes Vendée Globe in 2020, The ocean race in 2021 and the transatlantic race Route du Rhum in 2022.

IMOCA 60

This opportunity, in turn, attracts many experienced yachtsmen, including Frank Kammaswho won the race Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012, Paul Mailhat, the winner of the last race Route du Rhum, and Boris Hermannwho won the race Portimao global ocean ten years ago, but took his step into the arena IMOCA and is a rising star.

Mason says nine new ones are currently under construction. IMOCA 60, and most of them were intended for Ocean Race. There is also the possibility of modifying some of the old IMOCA 60 for this event.

In fact, there won't be much difference between IMOCA 60designed for Vendée Globe, and built for The ocean race... Skippers must have IMOCA 60that meets all the requirements of the class IMOCA 60 with hydrofoils, including weapons and rigging, but beyond that they can make their own modifications. Many of them are likely to be held inside the boat, where it will be necessary to accommodate a crew of five.

IMOCA 60

After talking with the participants Vendée Globe, as well as with veterans of previous races Ocean Race, it becomes clear that the round-the-world race of the crews on IMOCA 60 hydrofoils will increase the level of experience and knowledge required to participate. The pool of helmsmen capable of steering such a boat at maximum performance for several hours is very small. It will also increase the difficulty of the race, especially when the boats enter the waters of the Southern Ocean. Keeping a boat hydrofoiled for any length of time requires intense concentration, and this concentration will be non-stop for days, even weeks in a row.

Skippers Vendée Globe also rely on sophisticated autopilot systems that require different inputs to steer the boat, and this is a tricky job. However, the autopilot systems to be used on IMOCA 60 for Ocean raceare much more basic and will only be able to steer the course - in other words, they will be used mainly in an emergency or to free the helmsman while sailing. In other words, crews will no longer be able to rely on autopilots to steer the boat, unless of course they want to lag behind.

IMOCA 60

In truth, leaving Volvo, as a title sponsor, will help the race develop more intensively. As Mason explained, “Crews who approached potential sponsors for support were usually told that these companies felt they were being asked to use their money to promote. Volvo. The same has happened with the ports where boats made stops between stages, which are critical to the financial success of the race. City councils could not provide money that would in any way help a private company like Volvo".

Of course, by removing Volvo from the name of the event, everything would have changed. And Mason says that for this reason it is unlikely there will be a title sponsor for the next race. "We are not very actively looking for a sponsor, and we believe that having a brand name in the name of the race is more of a hindrance than a help to our financial model, as well as to our own sponsoring efforts of our crews."

Since the first race in 1973, this unique yachting event has paved the way for Vendée Globe and America's Cup... Now there is a crossover between these three races: crews America's Cup accept the challenge The ocean raceand skippers Vendée Globe, for the first time want to compete not only alone, but also with a full crew.

Volvo Ocean 65

“We are shaping the future of yacht racing to encompass all aspects of sailing,” says Mason. “We know that some young sailors who will compete in VO65will go to class IMOCA... It will be as if the class VO65 will become a training ground for the class IMOCA... And this class will grow. In addition, there is a great temptation to be the first to win Vendée Globe, The Ocean Race and America's Cup".

Their vision is clear and collaboration between the various areas of the yachting community is becoming more evident. Another aspect of the new brand is the partnership with 11th Hour Racing, who have created a platform that can be used for positive change to help restore health to the oceans. This was an important aspect of the last race and had a positive impact on the campaign. Turn the tide on plastic... This important message resonates with corporations around the world as it is a good way for them to gain brand awareness while demonstrating their concern for the environment. As sailors, we all want a healthier planet, and if sailing can be an agent of change, then that change is in the right hands with The Ocean Race.

If you want to know more about The Ocean Race, about its history and the first participants, read our material:

04.06.2019