Equal on board

“This new mandate puts world-class female sailors in the most visible, high-performance context in offshore racing while also sending a message to every young sailor watching from the dock or the club that this sport has a place for them,” Clapcich says.

“The rules of the game are changing. This is a transition to a better working environment for all sailors and we hope to one day see a world where it is the norm for women and men to compete freely with no fear of discrimination.”

Paul Meilhat, skipper of United by the Ocean-led team Biotherm in The Ocean Race 2022–23, already has experience racing with an evenly split crew. He sailed three of the seven legs of that edition with two men and two women onboard.

“The new rule is a positive step,” Meilhat says. “I have been sailing alongside women for 20 years; their contribution is every bit as important as the men on the team.

Having a 50/50 crew ensures there are more opportunities for female sailors to compete at this level. In the end, you want the best team possible, and different experiences, skills and ways of thinking can only make you stronger.”

The Ocean Race Atlantic starts in New York City on 1 September, sending the six IMOCA teams across the North Atlantic to Lorient, France.

The fleet is expected to use the Gulf Stream as teams search for the fastest route east, adding another tactical dimension to the first point-to-point competition in The Ocean Race’s history.

A series of initiatives around the start and finish cities, supported by Impact Partner 11th Hour Racing, will accompany the racing program and focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and access to sailing.

Activities include technical career clinics for women in partnership with The Magenta Project, sailing opportunities for underrepresented communities, ocean education programs and discussions on equitable leadership in sport and industry.

“The ocean is for everyone, but opportunities within sailing have historically been limited,” says Rebecca White, Senior Advisor Ocean Literacy & Learning, Access & Equity at The Ocean Race.

We are committed to turning the tide, creating more pathways for women and underrepresented groups to be part of the sailing world, both as athletes and across the many roles that make up the wider industry.

“Hosting elite competitions, with an equal number of men and women competing on the same team, is a significant step, not just in sailing, but within sports.”

The inaugural The Ocean Race Atlantic connects New York and Lorient in a fully crewed IMOCA contest, combining high-performance offshore racing with the event’s broader focus on ocean science, literacy and sustainability.

theoceanrace.com

FOLLOW THE RACE

Fans will be able to follow the fleet throughout the Atlantic crossing through The Ocean Race’s official digital channels, with race news, videos, photography, sailor stories and updates from the teams.

The OnBoard Live show, available daily during the race, is a must-view for race fans, streaming live on theoceanrace.com each day at 1700 CEST / 1500 UTC / 1100 EDT, along with live coverage of the ceremonial start from New York City on 1st September at 1800 CEST / 1600 UTC / 12-noon EDT.

Updated How to Follow information, including TV broadcast channels, available here.

The official Race Tracker, developed with PredictWind, will provide an additional window into the action, giving fans access to live boat data and insights as well as video links and is available through The Ocean Race website.

Fans can also compete in the official game with Virtual Regatta

For those who want to experience The Ocean Race Atlantic in person, the fleet is based at Brooklyn Bridge Marina for the week leading up the start and fans will be able to see Speed Runs 28 & 29 August, before the fleet heads out for the race on 1 September.

The departure and ceremonial start will see the boats in front of the Statue of Liberty and New York skyline before beginning their transatlantic race from a start line further offshore later in the evening.

At the other end of the Atlantic, Lorient will welcome the fleet with a free-to-enter Ocean Live Park, running from 9 to 13 September, with opportunities to meet sailors and teams, discover more about ocean health and experience the world of offshore racing, in addition to concerts and family entertainment.