The inaugural edition of The Ocean Race Europe is scheduled to take place in late spring this year and is open to VO65 and IMOCA 60 teams.
The event will feature racing from the Atlantic coast of Europe into the Mediterranean, with up to four stops along the way. The Mirpuri Foundation Racing Team is the first team to enter. Based in Cascais, Portugal, the team will compete on board their Racing for the Planet boat, in the VO65 class.
The Ocean Race has seen first-hand the devastating impact of pollution, plastic, climate change and industrial overfishing on the oceans, and this year is taking action to help.
Some of the teams taking part in The Ocean Race Europe this spring will collect valuable information along the route about the levels of microplastic pollution in the water as well as data including carbon dioxide, salinity and water temperature. Teams taking part in The Ocean Race Europe will be encouraged to reduce their plastic and greenhouse gas footprints by minimising single-use plastic and using renewable energy. Sailors also have an opportunity to inspire fans and followers to make positive choices for the environment.
The Ocean Race will host two high-level Summits during 2021 to drive solutions and commitments to tackling the issues facing the ocean. The summits will introduce innovative solutions to climate change, improving the way the ocean is governed and the need for greater protection of the marine world.
The Ocean Race’s Champions for the Sea programme has helped more than 160,000 children in more than 54 countries understand one of the main threats to the ocean, plastic pollution, and what can be done to combat it. By the end of March the programme will be available in six more languages to help inspire a new generation of ocean advocates.
www.theoceanrace.com