Ocean connection

Their new campaign is built around connection, openness and ocean health, with the co-skippers targeting strong results on the racecourse while also pursuing a broader environmental mission.

“Since the very first sailors, the ocean has been a connector, linking people, places and cultures together,” said Meilhat, winner of The Ocean Race Europe in 2025.

“In many ways, the ocean is the original social network, making trade, the exchange of cultures and ideas, and openness to the world possible.

Today we know the ocean is much more than this. It is our greatest climate regulator, absorbing the majority of the excess heat generated by human activity and capturing a significant portion of the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere.

“A healthy ocean keeps us in balance and is something we can all unite around, as it represents our shared future.”

Atlantic campaign ahead

The boat launch marks a major milestone as United by the Ocean prepares for The Ocean Race Atlantic, which is scheduled to start from New York City on 1 September 2026 and finish in Lorient.

The team is also looking ahead to The Ocean Race around the world, beginning from Alicante, Spain, on 17 January 2027.

“It’s fantastic to be back with Paul and to be preparing for these events in The Ocean Race again,” Lobato said.

Getting to the point where we can launch the campaign with confidence is a big milestone. Today we celebrate this, but tomorrow we get back to work to put all the preparations in place.

“The best way to bring a project like this to the starting line is to get started and take on the challenges one at a time.”

Lobato said she was particularly looking forward to the 2027 transatlantic leg finishing in Cascais, Portugal.

“I have so many wonderful memories of competing in The Ocean Race events on home waters, including both editions of The Ocean Race Europe, and now I am looking forward to next summer in Cascais,” she said.

“It will be fantastic.”

Ocean science and awareness

The United by the Ocean campaign will focus on raising awareness of ocean issues and contributing to marine science.

Meilhat will also continue his long-standing collaboration with Surfrider Foundation Europe, an environmental non-government organisation focused on protecting oceans and coastlines.

We are looking forward to working with like-minded companies and organisations that share our values in recognising a healthy ocean as a critical force for good that impacts each of us, all around the world,” Meilhat said.

The team is expected to confirm the remainder of its crew in the coming weeks.

Lobato confirmed French skipper Benjamin Ferré would join the team for The Ocean Race Atlantic.

“Beyond that, we are still building the team, but we will be an international crew and our ambition is to sail 50–50, with two women and two men,” she said.

“That applies not just to The Ocean Race Atlantic, as required by the race rules, but also to the around-the-world race in 2027.”

Following the launch, the team will commission the boat and conduct sea trials from Lorient before departing on a transatlantic delivery in August.

The delivery will position the IMOCA in New York ahead of The Ocean Race Atlantic start on 1 September.

theoceanrace.com