Lorient confirmed as finish for inaugural edition of The Ocean Race Atlantic

The Ocean Race has officially announced that Lorient, France will serve as the finish city for the inaugural edition of The Ocean Race Atlantic, scheduled for this September. Starting from New York City on 1st September 2026, the mixed crew IMOCAs will navigate a new high-speed transatlantic route across the North Atlantic Ocean, culminating in Lorient, known for its rich sailing heritage and as the home for a significant number of IMOCA fleet sailors.

This marks the fourth occasion The Ocean Race stops in Lorient, with prior events occurring during the around-the-world race in 2011-12 and 2014-15 and the inaugural edition of The Ocean Race Europe in 2021. The newly designed race course aims to establish a standard for fully-crewed IMOCA racing across the Atlantic, with a focus on protecting marine biodiversity.

The route has been collaboratively developed with partners such as 11th Hour Racing, ocean experts, and the Marine Mammal Advisory Group to minimise encounters with marine megafauna while still offering a fierce competitive environment for the racers.

In a significant first for the series, IMOCA teams will compete with a balanced crew featuring two men and two women, alongside a media crew member to enable live race coverage and document the experiences aboard the boats. This initiative continues the series’ commitment to fostering inclusivity in sailing.

Francesca Clapcich, skipper of Team Francesca Clapcich Powered by 11th Hour Racing, expressed her enthusiasm for the race, highlighting the emotional connection to the route that spans from the US to France. She noted the importance of a diverse crew and the team’s ambition to build on their boat’s remarkable track record from previous races.

The fleet, which will be based at Brooklyn Bridge Marina prior to the start, consists of six teams confirmed thus far, with racing expected to cover approximately 3000 nautical miles (around 5500km) and concluding around 8/9 September 2026. This event integrates local activations, an Ocean Live Park at “Lorient La Base”, and interactive activities aimed at public engagement, promoting ocean health, and fostering youth engagement around sailing.

Fabrice Loher, President of Lorient Agglomeration, emphasised the economic significance of hosting The Ocean Race Atlantic, noting it supports over 900 jobs and generates significant economic benefits for the region. This event is viewed as an important opportunity to fortify Lorient’s status as a leading maritime hub.

Kojiro Shiraishi, skipper of DMG Mori Sailing Team, noted the inherent challenges this new event presents and expressed his team’s commitment to excel in this race under their new boat.

Sailors and enthusiasts look forward to what promises to be a remarkable chapter in sailing history as The Ocean Race makes its debut from New York to Lorient.