10 ways we are working #fortheocean with The Ocean Race

The Ocean Race starts on January 15, 2023, at 10:00 AM EST/ 16:00 CET, and we can’t wait for all of the teams to cross the start line in Alicante!

As the title sponsor of 11th Hour Racing Team, Premier Partner of The Ocean Race, and Founding Partner of the Racing with Purpose program, we are even more excited by the robust sustainability initiatives that make up the fabric of the race.

With that in mind, these are some ways the world’s toughest race is putting the ocean first.

1. The One Blue Voice Immersive Experience
   We are biased, but we can’t wait to share this multisensory, immersive experience with the world! The One Blue Voice Immersive Experience, presented by 11th Hour Racing at The Ocean Race Ocean Live Parks, will take visitors on a journey beneath the waves to discover the race below. Created in collaboration with Tellart, the show combines video, audio, and hologram (at select stopovers) to give visitors a new perspective on the ocean and meet its unsung heroes.

   

2. Sustainable boat building
   During the design and build of their new boat, Mālama, 11th Hour Racing Team closely tracked material components, supply chain, and environmental impact. This data was published in an impressive report that aims to drive positive action within the marine industry and provide a roadmap for aligning with international frameworks for positive climate action, including the Paris Agreement. By ‘lifting the lid’ on the impact of building a race boat, the team has highlighted that the sport must prioritize sustainability along with performance.
3. The Ocean Race will collect more environmental data than any sporting event!
   Every boat participating in the race will measure different scientific data, including indicators of climate change, microplastic pollution, meteorological data to improve global weather forecasting and ocean biodiversity.

   

4. Carbon calculations
   The race is carefully managing its greenhouse gas emissions and has set a goal of a 75% reduction in race organizer emissions compared to the last race. Ocean Live Park runs on renewable energy, wherever possible, using solar power, hydrogen fuel cells, and even a people-powered energy floor to power the Park in some locations. The Race plans to be ‘climate positive’ by balancing the event’s unavoidable greenhouse gasses through blue carbon projects.
5. Danni Washington as the host of The Ocean Race Summits
   The Ocean Race Summits use the race’s global platform to accelerate action for our marine world. The current series of summits, hosted by TV personality, science communicator, and ocean explorer Danni Washington, is helping to drive new and improved policies around the issues affecting the ocean, honing in on making waves for ocean rights.

   

6. Champions for the sea
   More than 186,000 students have been part of The Ocean Race’s world-class learning program. Available in nine languages, the lessons are suitable for schools, at-home learning, community and youth groups, and sailing clubs. The race’s unique perspective on the marine world provides an exciting backdrop to show younger generations what makes the ocean so amazing. Plus, they support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that seek to ‘transform our world’ by 2030.
7. Wisdom’s Way
   When visiting Ocean Live Park, kids can explore Wisdom’s Way! Created in honor of Wisdom, the world’s oldest known breeding albatross and Volvo Ocean Race mascot, this self-directed and family-friendly activity takes you around Ocean Live Park to learn more about ocean health and rights, science and sailing, and the Race.

   

8. Hold the plastic
   Following the 2017-18 edition of the Race, when 388,207 single-use plastic water bottles were avoided by providing water refill stations, the race has made more strides in hosting an event without single-use plastic. Now the race will have no single-use plastic in any food and beverage services, and we can’t wait to see the different compostable cutlery and reusable cup systems around the world!
9. Come for the sailboats – stay for the sustainable seafood!
   All seafood served within Ocean Live Park is from sustainable fisheries – and if you’d rather not eat from the sea, you’ll find plenty of low-impact vegetarian and vegan options.
10. 11th Hour Racing Team Grantees
    Leaving a positive impact in their wake – the Team joins forces with organizations at each stopover that are committed to advancing innovative projects that improve ocean health and inspire change.