The Ocean Race Atlantic 2026 start departure imminent

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The Ocean Race Atlantic 2026 start departure imminent

by The Ocean Race Atlantic 2 Sep 12:00 BST 1 September 2026

The Ocean Race Atlantic Departure Show © Vincent Curutchet / The Ocean Race

Today is the start of The Ocean Race Atlantic 2026, as six of the world's leading offshore sailing teams will cross the starting line in the North Atlantic after departing New York City yesterday for the inaugural edition of this new transatlantic race.

The fleet features two new generation IMOCA boats racing for the first time, along with an innovative 50-50 crew rule that sees each crew composed of two women and two men, racing side by side.

Each of the six teams also has an OBR (on board reporter) bringing the experience of the sailors and the reality of life at sea closer to fans than ever before, including live updates via the daily OnBoard Live Show and streaming from on board each boat via the official race tracker at www.theoceanrace.com.

The race officially starts today at 12:00 UTC, with the fleet setting off offshore from New York City before racing across the North Atlantic to Lorient, France, the heart of the IMOCA sailing community. The boats are expected to arrive in Lorient around 8-9 September.

The six teams competing are Team Malizia (GER), Team Francesca Clapcich Powered by 11th Hour Racing (USA), United by the Ocean (FRA), DMG MORI Sailing Team (JPN), Embrace The Challenge (SUI) and MSIG Europe (NZL).

Watch the Live Start at 12:00 UTC Live here

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