Volvo Ocean Race: The face of the next Volvo Ocean Race

The organisers' recruitment of new teams for the upcoming Volvo Ocean Race 2021/22 has now officially begun: With a preliminary "Notice of Race" and the buzzwords "technology", "diversity" and "sustainability", the format of the future is taking shape. The preliminary "Notice of Race" has not been published, but was made available to YACHT online following an enquiry in Alicante. According to regatta director Phil Lawrence, the 16-page document initially only represents a vision that is still to be discussed with all interest groups.

It had already been decided that the 14th edition of the sea marathon would be held in two classes (Imoca 60, VO65). It has now also been announced that more women than ever before will take part and that a new youth trophy will be awarded to the youngsters.The following flexible crew compositions are planned for the Imocas: Five actors, at least one of whom must be a woman. Or six actors, at least four of whom must be women. The on-board reporter will be added to this. So it's going to be tight on the fast monohull foilers, which until now have mainly carried soloists or two-handed crews across the seas.

While the Imoca 60 teams will be competing for the classic Volvo Ocean Race title in the upcoming 14th edition (main competition), the younger teams on the VO65 racing boats will be competing for the first "Youth Challenge Trophy" in the history of the most famous team race around the world.The majority of the ten sailors on each VO65 yacht must be under the age of 30, with at least three of them under the age of 26. There will be female sailors in all crews, depending on the various permitted configurations.

"These rules will ensure that the best athletes in sailing take part in our event," explains Volvo Ocean Race President Richard Brisius. "At the same time, with the Youth Challenge Trophy, we are opening the door for sailors to participate in this sporting pinnacle earlier in their lives." A new sustainability and environmental protection programme in the form of guidelines will involve all teams, host port cities and interest groups.

By switching the main field to the Imocas, the organisers want to strengthen the technology aspect. "Historically, design and performance breakthroughs have always been an important component of the race's success since its premiere in 1973," says Co-President Johan Salén, "the Imoca-60 class yachts represent the most innovative technology in seagoing monohulls. The sailors and designers will be chasing every possible technical advantage they can find." The on-board reporters will remain, who will once again report live in words, pictures and videos from the boats from all areas of the world. The official registration period begins on 11 December.