historic race name and The Ocean Race

The Volvo Ocean Race and its successor The Ocean Race rank among the most demanding team offshore regattas in the world. Unlike the single-handed Vendée Globe, professional crews compete here on identical or class-equivalent high-performance yachts across multiple legs around the globe – through storms, ice zones and tropical doldrums. For regatta sailors, the race is a beacon in the offshore and long-distance regatta segment: it combines tactical GRIB weather data, crew management over weeks, and global media presence at a level matched only by the America's Cup and SailGP.

History: From Whitbread to The Ocean Race

The roots go back to 1973, when the Whitbread Round the World Race was first sailed – initially a commercially sponsored circumnavigation with mixed boat types and handicap scoring. From the 2001–2002 edition, Volvo Cars took over the naming and established the term Volvo Ocean Race, which for over two decades became synonymous with professional team offshore racing.

In 2019, the organiser announced the rebranding to The Ocean Race – not merely a name change, but an expression of an expanded mission: sustainability, onboard science and closer integration with the IMOCA world. The 2022–2023 edition was the first full round under the new name and marked the transition from the one-design VO65 class to four-person IMOCA crew yachts in the main fleet.

The Ocean Race Milestones

Why the Name Change?

1. Broader brand identity – less dependent on the automotive sponsor, open to new partners and sustainability initiatives.
2. Strategic direction – stronger connection to the UN Ocean Decade, climate research and educational programmes.
3. Technological bridge – integration of the IMOCA class creates synergies with the Vendée Globe and the single-handed offshore scene.

Format and Scoring

The Ocean Race is a stage circumnavigation: teams sail multiple offshore legs between host cities, stop in ports and restart after short in-port races. The overall standings sum all leg times; the fastest total time wins – no discard system as in Olympic fleet racing.

Typical Course of an Edition

1. Prologue / Pre-Race – optional opening for media and sponsor presence.
2. Offshore Legs – the core stages over thousands of nautical miles (Atlantic, Southern Ocean, Pacific, Indian Ocean).
3. In-Port Races – short inshore races in host cities; points count towards the overall standings.
4. Grand Finale – final leg and prize-giving in the destination port.

Course of a Leg Race

Boat Classes: VO65 and IMOCA 60

Over decades, boat types changed – from handicap yachts via VO70 to the strict one-design era with the Volvo Ocean 65 (VO65). Since 2022–23, teams have sailed in the IMOCA 60 format, which has close parallels to the single-handed world.

VO65 – The One-Design Era

The VO65 was developed specifically for the Volvo Ocean Race: approx. 20 metres in length, carbon hull, 7–8 crew members, optimised for fast planing and harsh conditions in the Southern Ocean. All boats were technically identical – victory through routing, crew work and material care, not boat budget.

IMOCA 60 – The New Standard

With the switch to the IMOCA class, The Ocean Race opened the door to single-handed technology: foils, lightweight hulls, professional skippers from the IMOCA and Vendée Globe scene. Four people sail per boat – significantly fewer than on VO65, but with higher individual responsibility.

Crew Structure and Roles

Team offshore differs fundamentally from inshore regattas: crews work in watch systems (duty shifts), sail at night and endure extreme weather together. Role allocation is clearly defined – details can be found in the article Legs and Crew Structure.

Core Elements of Crew Organisation

1. overall responsibility on board – overall responsibility for safety, routing decisions and crew leadership.
2. Navigator / Strategist – weather routing, GRIB analysis, long-distance tactics.
3. headsail trimmer / Pit – sail handling, mast work, repairs underway.
4. Media Crew Member (formerly) – often dedicated in the VO65 era; today more integrated.
5. Onshore Team – routing support, weather briefings, logistics in stopover ports.

Crew Load: Offshore vs. Inshore

Watch Systems at a Glance

Typical shift models on VO65:

• 4 hours on / 4 hours off – standard in heavy weather
• 3-on-3-off – with reduced crew or repair work
• All-hands – during sail manoeuvres, heavy weather or capsize risk

With IMOCA and only four people, the classic rotation is partly replaced by flexible but more intensive shift plans – each sailor takes on multiple roles simultaneously.

Tactics and Routing on Long Distance

Offshore routing is the heart of every leg. Teams use GRIB files and weather models, account for the Antarctic storm belt, doldrums crossings and currents at the Agulhas or in the Gulf Stream.

Strategic Decision Areas

1. Ice gate vs. great-circle route – shorter route through riskier waters or safer but longer path.
2. Riding storm fronts or avoiding them – speed gain versus equipment risk.
3. Tactical options near land – katabatic winds, coastal effects, tidal currents.
4. In-port race preparation – boat condition vs. crew recovery before harbour races.

Difference from Vendée Globe and Other Offshore Races

The Ocean Race shares offshore DNA with legendary events, but differs in key points:

Sustainability and Science

Since the IMOCA era, The Ocean Race has emphasised environmental and research missions more strongly: boats carry sensors for ocean data, partners collect plastic samples, and stopover events communicate sustainability topics. This aligns with the World Sailing Sustainability Agenda and elevates the event beyond pure sports entertainment.

Famous Winners and Skippers

Legendary names shaped the series – from Conrad Humphrey and Grant Dalton to Charles Caudrelier (2022–23 winner with Team Malizia) and German professionals such as Boris Herrmann, who transfers IMOCA expertise from The Ocean Race to the Vendée Globe. An overview of influential personalities can be found in the article Volvo Ocean Race Skippers.

2022–2023 Edition – IMOCA Debut

The 2022–23 edition started in Alicante and led via Cape Town, Itajaí, Newport, Aarhus, Kiel and The Hague to the finale in Genoa. Team Malizia (Charles Caudrelier) won the first IMOCA round – a milestone for the connection between team and single-handed offshore racing.

The Ocean Race for Spectators and Beginners

1. Live tracking – all boats can be followed worldwide via AIS and the event app; ideal for learning routing decisions.
2. Stopover festivals – harbour events with in-port races, boat tours and meet-the-crew formats.
3. Documentaries and podcasts – offshore legs are intensively covered audiovisually.
4. Youth and sustainability programmes – educational offerings for young sailors and schools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between Volvo Ocean Race and The Ocean Race?

Same event lineage, rebranding in 2019 – historically sponsored by Volvo, since 2022–23 under the neutral brand name The Ocean Race.

Which boats are sailed?

Currently IMOCA 60; previously VO65 one-design.

Can amateurs sail along?

Rarely as guest crew; professional qualification required.

How long does an edition last?

Approx. 6 months (IMOCA) to 9 months (VO65 era).

When is the next round?

Cycle every 3–4 years; check dates with the organiser.

Checklist: Understanding The Ocean Race

• Basic format understood: stage circumnavigation with stopovers
• VO65 vs. IMOCA 60 difference clarified
• Scoring system: elapsed time across all legs
• Crew structure and watch systems understood
• Distinction from Vendée Globe and Fastnet Race known
• Live tracking and stopover calendar bookmarked
• Sustainability and research programmes researched

Career Path and Outlook

The Ocean Race remains an elite career stage in offshore sailing – often after experience in ORC offshore, Figaro or as single-handed preparation. The IMOCA switch lowers crew costs per boat, but increases demands on individual performance. Future editions are likely to further deepen integration with single-handed events and sustainability in sailing.

Offshore Professional Career Path

Related Topics

• Legs and Crew Structure
• IMOCA and New Boats
• Vendée Globe
• Offshore and Long-Distance Regattas
• Volvo Ocean Race Skippers

Last updated: 4 July 2026