The Ocean Race Returns to Auckland with a Kiwi Team on Board

​Exciting news for Kiwi sailors: The Ocean Race is set to return to Auckland in 2027, and New Zealand will have its own team on the start line. This marks a significant moment for our sailing community, bringing world-class offshore racing back to our shores and reigniting local participation on the global stage.​

Auckland rejoins the Ocean Race route

After a decade-long hiatus, Auckland will once again serve as a stopover for The Ocean Race. This decision underscores the city's rich maritime heritage and its status as a premier sailing destination. The collaboration between race organisers, Auckland Council, and the New Zealand Government has been instrumental in facilitating this return, with the government committing up to $4 million to support the event. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown highlighted the dual benefits of the race's return, noting the boost to the local economy and the unique opportunity for spectators to witness elite sailing up close.

Introducing Aotearoa Ocean Racing

In conjunction with the race's return, New Zealand will field its first entry in over a decade: Aotearoa Ocean Racing. Led by seasoned offshore sailor Conrad Colman and marine strategist Rowan Gyde, the team aims to foster a new generation of Kiwi sailors. Colman, known for his solo circumnavigation feats, brings a wealth of experience and a vision to make offshore sailing more accessible to New Zealanders. The campaign plans to design and build a new foiling IMOCA 60 yacht, with construction involving local expertise and facilities. Bases are planned for both New Zealand and Lorient, France, Europe's offshore racing hub.

A campaign for all New Zealanders

Aotearoa Ocean Racing is committed to inclusivity, aiming to involve sailors from diverse backgrounds, including Māori and Pasifika communities. The team also plans to collaborate with organisations like The Magenta Project to promote gender diversity in sailing. Beyond competition, the campaign seeks to engage with youth sailing programmes across the country, inspiring future offshore sailors and reconnecting the broader public with New Zealand's storied sailing legacy.

Looking ahead to 2027

The 2027 edition of The Ocean Race will commence in Alicante, Spain, in January, concluding in the Red Sea in Amaala early that summer, with Auckland serving as the exclusive Southern Ocean stopover in March. The event promises to transform Auckland's waterfront into a vibrant hub of activity, offering race fans a two-week festival celebrating sailing, innovation, and sustainability. This stopover will not only enhance Auckland's reputation as the City of Sails but also provide a platform to promote ocean health initiatives and educational programmes in collaboration with New Zealand schools.

As we look forward to 2027, the return of The Ocean Race and the emergence of Aotearoa Ocean Racing herald a new chapter in New Zealand's maritime narrative, offering both seasoned sailors and enthusiasts alike an opportunity to engage with the pinnacle of offshore racing.​

Sources: Live Sail Die NZ Herald, The Ocean Race, Boating NZ
Image: XIIIfromTOKYO