The Ocean Race: Another heavyweight for the Ocean Race - Thomas Ruyant is coming
Tatjana Pokorny
· 01.10.2024
Boris Herrmann, Team Malizia and other teams had set the trend in The Ocean Race 2021 - now more Imoca celebrities are following suit: first the best will sail their solo in the 10th Vendée Globe from 10 November, then they will set their sights on the Ocean Race Europe 2025 , the Ocean Race Atlantic 2026 from New York over 3200 nautical miles to Barcelona and then The Ocean Race 2027. The latest double announcement also comes from France following Yoann Richomme's commitment last week.
Prominent addition to The Ocean Race
Thomas Ruyant's Vulnerable x TRR racing team is another very successful Imoca team coming into play. The statement reads: "The TRR Ocean Racing Team and its skipper Thomas Ruyant, who sets off for his third Vendée Globe on 10 November, will take part in The Ocean Race Europe 2025 aboard the Koch/Finot Conq-designed 'Vulnerable' and in The Ocean Race 2027, a round-the-world race with stopovers."
Thomas Ruyant's racing team describes the multiple Ocean Race challenges as a "new task for the entire team, in line with the international growth of long-time partner Advens". With Thomas Gavériaux, the CEO of TRR said: "While the Vendée Globe is currently mobilising all our resources within TR Racing, we are actively planning the next three seasons."
Thomas Gavériaux continued: "After Thomas and Sam Goodchild's solo circumnavigation, we will switch to full crew mode: We will take part in The Ocean Race Europe in 2025, The Ocean Race Atlantic from New York to Barcelona in 2026 and finally The Ocean Race in 2027. We will compete in the Ocean Race Europe with Thomas' current boat and are in the process of designing and building a new Imoca for 2026."
First the Vendée Globe, then the Ocean Race Triple
Previously, another Vendée Globe co-favourite and his racing team had already confirmed their commitment to the Ocean Race Triple until 2027/2028: Yoann Richomme and "Paprec Arkéa" also want to switch to crew mode after the Vendée Globe solo. An initiative in Switzerland has also set its sights on ocean racing. Behind this ambitious project in search of partners are the Swiss Alan Roura, Elodie Mettraux and Simon Koster.
The confirmed teams for the Ocean Race Europe so far are Boris Herrmann's Team Malizia, Team Holcim-PRB with skipper Rosalin Kuiper and Yoann Richomme's Team Paprec Arkéa. Other teams are registered but not yet officially confirmed. Boris Herrmann's forecast: "I would guess eight to ten boats for the Ocean Race Europe." The most famous race around the world is fast approaching this hope.
Officially registered are Team Malizia, Team Holcim PRB, Team Paprec Arkéa and TR Racing. Further announcements are expected. DMG Mori Sailing is another team that has announced a new build for The Ocean Race 2027/2028. DMG mori has chosen designer Gauillaume Verdie and the already well-known and proven Multiplast shipyard as partners for the ambitious construction project.
The Ocean Race: DMG Mori rebuilds
Like 39 other racing teams, the team is currently preparing for the Vendée Globe and is also looking to the future. The new boat can be set to crew configuration for participation in the Ocean Race 2027. It will then be converted back to single-handed configuration for the 2028 Vendée Globe.
"We are delighted to announce the construction of the new boat," says Irene Bader, Managing Director of the DMG Mori Sailing Team and member of the DMG Mori Executive Board. "With this step, we are not only relying on the latest technology, but also on the experience and expertise of the entire team. The boat should be strong and embody innovation and team spirit.
Skipper Kojiro Shiraishi said: "This is the first time we have designed a boat like this from the ground up, incorporating the latest innovations in boat building. It's a challenge, but we're looking forward to tackling it with our unique and diverse team. It's a great opportunity to learn from each other and show our 'Global One' spirit." The new Imoca is scheduled to be ready to race in early 2026. DMG Mori thus confirmed the long-term and future-oriented focus of the project.
New sailing opportunities for talents
By participating in The Ocean Race 2027, the team is opening its next chapter in offshore sailing. With strong Japanese and French roots and other nationalities among the team members, cultural diversity is a central theme that the team wants to live and present during the Ocean Race.
In addition to the team's international line-up, another aspect that the racing team wants to focus on, in line with DMG Mori's team goals, is the exchange and dialogue between the generations. Experienced sailors will compete in The Ocean Race alongside the team's younger talents.
The DMG Mori Sailing Academy was created to give young talents the opportunity to work in offshore sailing and develop their skills by gaining regatta experience on the Classe Mini 6.50 and, since this year, also on the Figaro Beneteau.
