Ocean Race Atlantic 2026

The Ocean Race Atlantic 2026 features some of the best-known names on the international sailing scene. The German team Malizia is led by Boris Herrmann, who will be competing in a brand-new IMOCA boat. Herrmann is known worldwide for his participation in the Vendée Globe and the Ocean Race, and is deeply committed to protecting the oceans – an issue that also plays a central role at boot Düsseldorf.

Also prominently represented is the Italian-American sailor Francesca Clapcich, who leads her own project, Team Francesca Clapcich powered by 11th Hour Racing. For her, the transatlantic race holds special significance: it connects her two home countries across the Atlantic.

Also taking part are Paul Meilhat from the Paul Meilhat Sailing Team, winner of the Ocean Race Europe 2025, as well as Kojiro Shiraishi (DMG Mori Sailing Team), Oliver Heer (Embrace The Challenge) and Conrad Colman (MSIG Europe). With world-class skippers and crews, including participants from the IMOCA class, the Vendée Globe and the Olympic Games, the Ocean Race Atlantic is not only a top-class sporting event but also a gathering of the international sailing elite – many of whom are regular guests at boot Düsseldorf.

Here is an overview of all the key information about the spectacular 2026 Transatlantic Race:

Start: New York, USA

2 September 2026
The offshore race begins at Brooklyn Bridge Marina, with Manhattan’s impressive skyline as a backdrop.

Route:
From New York across the North Atlantic, through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean – a total of around 3,200 nautical miles. The sailing route takes the IMOCA yachts along the legendary transatlantic route, where ocean records are regularly set.

Finish: Lorient, France

Expected arrival: mid-September 2026 (approximately two weeks after the start)
The race finishes in Lorient.