The Ocean Race sends professional sailing teams around the world, living and racing on the boat 24 hours a day across long ocean legs. Established in 1973, it is a team-based offshore race rather than a short regatta, and sailors often spend years pursuing a win. In sailing, it holds a similar level of ambition to the Olympic Games and the America’s Cup.
The course varies by edition, but the fundamental concept is a multi-leg race through some of the most challenging ocean waters, with stopovers where Race Villages attract large crowds. A recent edition covered 11 legs over 126 days, and the finish was close enough that three teams were nearly tied near the end; Dongfeng Race Team won by only 16 minutes. Sir Peter Blake raced the first edition and later won with Steinlager 2, which exemplifies the kind of long personal pursuit the race tends to require. Each team also carries an Onboard Reporter, providing fans with insights into sleep deprivation, repairs, weather decisions, and small tactical advantages from within the boat.