The starting signal for the first leg of "The Ocean Race" will be given in Alicante on 15 January 2023. Eleven teams are currently registered, divided into two classes. For the first time, Imocas will be taking part alongside the Volvo Ocean 65s. In addition, the sailing race around the world will be held under a new name for the first time: "The Ocean Race" instead of "Volvo Ocean Race".
The regatta is regarded as one of the toughest ocean races in the world and not only stands for the highest calibre of sailors, the same also applies to the spectacular images. A selection of the best shots from the last Volvo Ocean Race can be found here in our picture gallery:
Volvo withdrew from its position as main sponsor after a total of 13 editions. In 1997/98, the automotive group first became a sponsor of the original Whitbread Round the World Race, followed by a name change in 2001/02.
First German participation since legendary "Illbruck" victory
In the same year, the "Illbruck" celebrated the first and only victory of a German boat in this prestigious race. Since then, however, there has been no German participation. Only now will there be another chance to compete for the coveted title.
Two at least partly German teams will be competing in 100 days, both in the new Imoca class. One is Guyot Environnement - Team Europe, which is a merger of the former Offshore Team Germany with Frenchman Benjamin Dutreux and his team. In addition to co-skipper Robert Stanjek, Phillip Kasüske will be another German on board. The second German team is Team Malizia, led by Boris Herrmann, who will have title ambitions with his new boat.
"The Ocean Race" comes to Kiel
Originally, "The Ocean Race" was due to start in autumn 2021, but the pandemic disrupted the schedule here too. The decision was made to postpone the start in 2020. There are currently five boats in the Imoca class, with at least one more team to be added. On the other hand, it is highly questionable whether all six registered crews will actually compete in the VO65. Some teams from 2017/18, including the winner Dongfeng Race Team, have also announced that they will not be taking part.
The specified route for 2022/23 contains major changes compared to the last Volvo Ocean Race and is the same for both classification groups. After the start of the first leg in Alicante, the race will first head to Cape Verde, then on to Cape Town, followed by the next stop in Itajaí- The Asian continent will no longer be called at. From there, it will sail to Newport, then to Århus in June and on to The Hague via a turning point in Kiel. The seventh and final leg ends in Genoa.
More about "The Ocean Race":
