The Ocean Race 2022-23: an epic challenge on the waves

The Ocean Race 2022-23 has come to a successful close, one of the most prestigious and demanding sailing competitions in the world, delivering emotion, adventure and an epic challenge across the seven seas. Crews from all over the world launched themselves into this extraordinary adventure, testing their skills, endurance and determination in a breathtaking race. The race unfolded over several legs, with crews circumnavigating the globe and facing the stormiest seas and the most extreme conditions.

The competition was fierce, with finely honed tactics and impressive speeds. The participants showed courage, skill and an incredible ability to adapt to the changing conditions of the sea. The fight for victory was tight right up to the final leg, with thrilling overtakes and moments of tension.

The race in Genoa:

The Genoa leg was the culmination of the competition, with crews tackling the waters of the Mediterranean in a spectacular race. The boats sailed in front of the beautiful backdrop of the city, drawing great admiration from spectators and enthusiasts.

It was a festive occasion, culminating in an evening of celebration and the prize-giving ceremony. The winner was the 11th Hour Racing Team.

The captain of 11th Hour Racing Team, Charlie Enright, expressed his joy at having secured the win at sea after the efforts made to repair his IMOCA “Mãlama”, which was damaged in a collision with GUYOT environnement – Team Europe shortly after the start of the seventh leg in The Hague.

The American skipper praised his shore team, who worked tirelessly for three consecutive days to get the boat back in the water and allow it to take part in the Grand Finale In-Port Race. He said that winning the race in Genoa was the perfect conclusion to their trip around the world and a way of thanking everyone who has supported their campaign over the years.

Winning the race gave 11th Hour Racing Team a double success: victory in the offshore race around the world and in the In-Port Race series.

The commitment to the environment:

The Ocean Race is not only a sailing competition, but also a global movement that aims to promote marine sustainability and ocean conservation. During the event, a number of key goals were supported:

Awareness: The Ocean Race offered an unprecedented opportunity to raise public awareness of the environmental challenges facing the oceans, such as plastic pollution and climate change.

Scientific research: The event worked with scientists and researchers to collect valuable data on the state of the oceans, contributing to the understanding and protection of marine ecosystems.

Sustainable innovation: The Ocean Race encouraged the development of innovative technologies and sustainable solutions for the sailing industry and to reduce the environmental impact of activities at sea.

Without doubt, The Ocean Race continues to prove itself a major event in the world of sailing and a beacon of hope for safeguarding our oceans. The future of The Ocean Race is promising, with new adventures and challenges just waiting to be taken on. The passion for the sea and the dedication to sustainability will continue to be the pillars on which this extraordinary sailing competition is based.