OCEANS OF opportunity

One of the worlds most gruelling endurance events – the round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race – has been sold by the Volvo Group and will run under a new name for the next (2021–22) event. Rebranded The Ocean Race, it’s focused on promoting environmental sustainability and ocean health awareness, as well as increasing diversity within the sport.

Two boat classes will compete – the high-tech, open-design IMOCA 60s, and the one-design Volvo Ocean 65 (now VO65). The IMOCA 60 drives technological innovation in yacht racing and has an elite, five-person crew. The VO65, on the other hand, is a uniform design. It carries a 10-person crew and provides a platform for opportunities for women and younger sailors.

The race has helped define the careers of many of New Zealand’s sailors since its inception in 1973. Sailing legend Sir Peter Blake was involved in the first five Whitbread Round the World races, and New Zealanders have been on almost every