Genova will host the finish of The Ocean Race Europe
Genova will host the finish of The Ocean Race Europe
As with the round the world race in 2022-23, the iconic Italian port of Genova will play host to the finale of The Ocean Race Europe in June.
The first edition of The Ocean Race Europe will finish in Genova in June.
The historic maritime city is already the home of The Grand Finale - the finish of the next edition of round the world race in 2022-23. Now, Genova will also host The Ocean Race Europe.
The world’s toughest test of a team in sport and sailing's greatest round-the-world challenge, will collect vital data about the impact that humans are making on the ocean during its inaugural European Race. Several teams taking part in The Ocean Race Europe this summer will carry scientific equipment on board to capture measurements of microplastics in the water and data about the impact of climate change on the seas. The Ocean Race Europe scientific data collection activity is endorsed by the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, which supports efforts to reverse the cycle of decline in ocean health and create improved conditions for sustainable development of the ocean.
Two classes of boat will take part in the race, IMOCA 60s and VO65s. Two VO65 teams will take samples of microplastics as they race, AmberSail2 and W Ocean Racing team while one IMOCA 60 boat, sailed by the 11th Hour Racing Team, will take 24/7 surface measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2), sea temperature and salinity - indicators of climate change.
Climate change and plastic pollution are two of the biggest threats to the health of the seas. The ocean plays a critically important role in climate regulation. It has absorbed over 90% of man-made excess heat since the 1970s1 and absorbs a quarter of human made CO22, helping to effectively mitigate climate change. Plastic, meanwhile, is a more visible problem, with at least 8 million tonnes of it entering the ocean each year3, harming marine species that ingest or become entangled in it.
The data collected during The Ocean Race Europe will be provided to scientific organisations that are studying and mapping these issues. Measurements of dissolved CO2 taken by the 11th Hour Racing Team will be used by EuroSea, a European Commission funded programme that assesses the role of the ocean in climate change and improves the ocean observing system. During The Ocean Race Europe, boats will race through the Western Mediterranean, one of the global hotspots for carbon absorption by the ocean and one of EuroSea’s focus areas for their carbon audit project.
“In The Ocean Race Europe we are realising a dream of many - a race between European cities with engaged fans and athletes achieving the extraordinary while driving change for a healthier planet.” said Race Chairman Richard Brisius.
“We understand the importance of teamwork, and collectively we back the EU work for Green Transition, digitalisation and unity. Our friends and partners in Genova also really understand the value of the environment in helping to support the economy and well-being of people. We look forward to working together to make The Ocean Race Europe a success.”
“We’re proud to host the inaugural edition of The Ocean Race Europe - it is undoubtedly going to be ‘the’ event of the 2021 offshore sailing circuit,” said Marco Bucci, the Mayor of Genova.
“Genova will take centre stage, having the opportunity to celebrate its traditions and ambitions, moving towards a future of great international events. Genova can do it - our great facilities make for a perfect venue to host events of this level.
“Furthermore, behind the coastal infrastructure, the city offers a unique artistic and tourism hub, ready to welcome Italian and international fans of our sport, which is now living a golden moment for the public and in the media alike.”
The Ocean Race Europe is open to VO65 and IMOCA class yachts. The Race will start from Brittany, on the Atlantic coast of France, at the end of May with teams racing in stages to the finish in Genova, Italy, in the third week of June. The remaining iconic cities hosting the race will be revealed in turn.
The VO65 fleet will also participate in The Ocean Race Europe Prologue event starting in the Baltic Sea in early May.
“For the VO65 teams, The Prologue and The Ocean Race Europe itself marks the start of our journey towards The Ocean Race around the world in 2022-23,” said Bouwe Bekking, an eight-time veteran of The Ocean Race.
“Whether we are trialling new crew or equipment, or using the event for fundraising and sponsorship, it’s a critical first step on the road to The Ocean Race and an opportunity for all of us to feel the pull of this great Race once again.”
“The Ocean Race Europe will be a good test for our team to compete with other similar boats and a great opportunity to get racing in our IMOCA again,” said Nicolas Troussel, skipper of the CORUM L’Épargne Sailing Team in announcing his entry in the IMOCA fleet last week.
Organisers of The Ocean Race Europe are prioritising the health and safety of all competitors and stakeholders and will follow all relevant regulations and advisories with respect to Covid-19.
Video presentation https://youtu.be/Vr7gBr-SwsY
Ocean Race Europe website https://www.theoceanrace.com/
Photo © Porto Antico di Genova
