The Ocean Race Europe and Virtual Regatta are bringing the ocean sailing adventure to the computers of sailing enthusiasts worldwide this summer. The renewed partnership will allow fans to take part in the prestigious regatta virtually from 10 August. Whether you are an experienced armchair sailor or a newcomer to virtual racing, the online platform offers the opportunity to compete with participants from all over the world and sail alongside the real fleet. The Virtual Regatta platform presents participants with the same tactical challenges and lets them sail in the same weather conditions as the IMOCA professionals.
Intensive race format with five stages
"The Ocean Race Europe is a short, intense and exciting race. It demands a lot from the participants, both on the water and in front of the screen," explains Peter Rusch, Communications Director of The Ocean Race. "Working with Virtual Regatta to bring fans into the experience via the online race is a great way to inspire and engage sailors of all ages and backgrounds." The virtual regatta offers the same challenging course as the real event and confronts participants with identical tactical decisions and boat performance profiles.
European harbour cities in focus
This year's edition of The Ocean Race Europe will take the best IMOCA sailors and teams to various European harbour cities. The regatta starts on 10 August in Kiel, Germany, and leads via Portsmouth (Great Britain), Porto-Matosinhos (Portugal) as a fly-by, Cartagena (Spain), Nice (France) and Genoa (Italy) to the finale in the Bay of Boka in Montenegro on the Adriatic coast. This varied route offers numerous tactical challenges, which can also be experienced in the virtual race. With real-time weather data, live rankings and in-game rewards, players can compete with friends, climb the rankings and even win prizes.
Ocean Race Europe brings professional sport closer
Tom Gauthier, Managing Director of Virtual Regatta, is enthusiastic about the continuation of the collaboration: "We are delighted to be part of The Ocean Race Europe again. This race is full of energy, excitement and community spirit. It has everything our fans love. We can't wait to see who will come out on top both on the water and online." The combination of real-life sailing and virtual participation creates a unique link between professional sport and community engagement.
Practical information:
Registration
- Start date: 10 August 2024
- Registration deadline: possible until the start of the race
- Registration platform: www.theoceanrace.com or Virtual Regatta
Race format
- Stages: Five legs over six weeks
- Boats: IMOCA class
- Weather conditions: Real-time weather data
Route
- Start: Kiel, Germany (10 August)
- Stops: Portsmouth (UK), Porto-Matosinhos (Portugal, Fly-By), Cartagena (Spain), Nice (France), Genoa (Italy)
- Final: Boka Bay, Montenegro (Adriatic Sea)
Participation
- Cost: Free to play
- Prerequisites: No previous knowledge necessary
- Target group: Sailors of all ages and backgrounds
