The Ocean Globe Race: the new Whitbread
The legendary world-circling regatta Whitbread is back, under the name of Ocean Globe Race (OGR). To mark the 50th anniversary of the first Whitbread, the OGR is expected to start in Europe on September 10th 2023. It will have four legs, with stopovers in South Africa, Australia or New Zealand and South America, following the route of the original 1973 Whitbread through the three great capes, Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin and Cape Horn.
The OGR is a so-called “retro” race, designed for ordinary sailors, like the original 1973 race, with a passion for traditional sailing. Only approved fiberglass yachts designed before 1988 and equipped with traditional navigation systems (e.g. sextants) will be allowed to take part in it: no GPS, computers, satellites or high-tech materials are permitted. Not even digital music! Only cassette tapes, just like in 1973.
OCEAN GLOBE RACE 2023
Why the Ocean Globe Race?
This race meets the values common to the team’s missions: (re) connecting to the environment through the marine elements of winds and stars.
"Retro navigation" forces team members to think about reorganizing their daily life on board a sailboat. Sailing by the most perilous seas in the world will not only require rigorous preparation for the team, but a total questioning of their daily lives.
We will have to show autonomy and redouble our ingenuity in order to face the trials that await us, and this, with limited means of communication.
Écoresponsible philosophy
-
This race allows the upgrading and reuse of boats built in the 1980s and advocates eco-responsible actions and values.
-
During the various stops planned during the race, we will encourage local businesses by prioritizing local supplies and highlighting local expertise.
Authenticity
-
With old-fashioned navigation, where you can no longer depend on technology, it is the crew who, through observation, will find themselves and find their way to the objective.
-
Travel and adventure are the watchwords of this event. There is a voluntary slowdown: it is the return of endurance versus sprinting.
Putting our lifestyles into perspective
-
To participate in this race is to rethink the current hectic lifestyle, and return to the basics, to what is on board.
-
This is a race whose budget brings financial accessibility that pushes amateurs to undertake this challenge. It is the creation and development of opportunities that are limited today.