The Ocean Race

The Ocean Race is a round-the-world yacht race held every three or four years, with crews sailing day and night across some of the planet’s most challenging waters. Starting in 1973, it now departs from Alicante, Spain, and draws elite sailors and adventurous teams from around the world.

• Held every three or four years since 1973
• Crews race day and night for over 20 days per leg
• No cash prize—finishing is the main reward
• Route and stopover ports change with each edition
• Includes the Hans Horrevoets Rookie Award for young sailors

What it is

The Ocean Race is a renowned sailing competition that circles the globe, testing the endurance, skill, and teamwork of its participants. Crews race for weeks at a time, braving extreme weather and vast distances with minimal comforts. The event is celebrated for its demanding nature, with sailors facing everything from freezing cold to sweltering heat, and often carrying only one change of clothes. For many, the challenge itself is the reward, as there is no cash prize—completing the race is considered a major achievement in the sailing world.

Where it comes from

The race began in 1973 as the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race, sponsored by the British brewing company Whitbread and the Royal Naval Sailing Association. Seventeen yachts set off from Portsmouth, United Kingdom, on the inaugural 27,500 nautical mile journey, watched by thousands of spectators. Over the years, the event evolved, with Volvo taking over sponsorship in 2001 and the race being renamed the Volvo Ocean Race. In 2019, it became The Ocean Race, reflecting its global scope and ongoing legacy.

How it is celebrated

Celebration in The Ocean Race is found in the camaraderie and resilience of the crews as they navigate some of the world’s most dangerous seas. The race is divided into multiple legs, with stopovers in major port cities, where local communities welcome the sailors and host in-port races and events. On board, life is stripped to essentials: freeze-dried meals, constant shifts, and a relentless focus on sailing. Each team includes an On Board Reporter, who documents the journey and shares it with fans worldwide. The event also recognizes young talent with the Hans Horrevoets Rookie Award, highlighting the spirit of adventure and discovery.

Joining in

Visitors can experience the excitement of The Ocean Race at its start in Alicante, Spain, or at various stopover ports around the world. These cities host lively events, in-port races, and opportunities to meet the crews and see the high-tech yachts up close. Expect a festive atmosphere, with exhibitions and activities that bring the drama and challenge of ocean racing to life for fans and newcomers alike.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article The Ocean Race, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• The Ocean Race on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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