The Ocean Race Start Delayed Until 2022

The “change to the start date for the next edition of the round the world race follows a strategic planning process and consultations with stakeholders to determine the best path forward in a sporting landscape impacted by COVID19,” said the official announcement from race organizers, which can be read in full here.

11th Hour Racing Team, which has not yet officially entered The Ocean Race but announced its campaign towards the Race last fall, is in the process of outlining a new team timeline and sailing schedule with an eye on being at the startline in Alicante, Spain in Fall 2022.

Skipper of 11th Hour Racing Team, Charlie Enright had this to say:

“Given the current environment, it makes a lot of sense to postpone the race. An extra year will provide additional time for health and safety conditions to improve. The added time should also allow race organisers to work closely with the IMOCA class on the format to achieve the best possible race and maximize the entries. Our goals haven’t changed — we’re aiming to be at the start for the next edition of The Ocean Race with the strongest possible team, proving to the world that sustainability is not a compromise.”

Team CEO Mark Towill had this comment:

“Operationally for our team, this postponement by The Ocean Race means we’re realigning our overall calendar, technical timings and training schedule to account for the additional length of the campaign. We recognize that the world has changed around us and we are adapting to a new reality, learning how to navigate the challenges. This extra time will give us the opportunity to reflect strategically about how we adapt and come out stronger. And there is definitely opportunity in these extra 12 months to fully optimize our training, communicate and engage with our audiences even more, and further develop and implement our sustainability initiatives.”

Rob MacMillan, Co-Founder & President of the Team’s title sponsor 11th Hour Racing said:

“We support the plans to adapt to the postponement of The Ocean Race in response to the COVID-19 crisis. This additional time will empower the 11th Hour Racing Team to adapt to our new normal and offers an important moment to pause, reflect, and listen to the needs of their community. Additionally, it gives the Team and the Race an excellent opportunity to engage further with and learn from the strong IMOCA 60 fleet based in France.”

Stay tuned for more news from the team soon as it unveils its upcoming sailing schedule and calendar for late summer and fall with the boat back in the water for the first time since last December!

Now, we’ve got an extra year to build the excitement — thanks for following along on the adventure!