MDL Marinas and the Ocean Globe Race have revealed plans for Ocean Village Marina. Celebrating their own 50th anniversary, MDL Marinas previously hosted the 1989, 1993, 1997 and 2001 Whitbread races. Now it’s the 50th Anniversary recreation of the first 1973 Whitbread. 

“We are looking forward to welcoming the Southampton community to Ocean Village to be part of the OGR. It’s exciting and an absolute privilege to be part of the team bringing this race back home to the city of Southampton, the home of ocean racing.” said Tim Mayer, Sales and Marketing Director at MDL Marinas.

The OGR is a race in keeping with the spirit of the original Whitbread races, where ‘ordinary’ sailors compete with sextants and paper charts, but without phenomenal budgets, foils and computers. A return to non-GPS days of real people, sailing beautiful yachts on real adventures around Cape Horn with a real chance to witness what courage and human spirit can achieve.

” It is 30 years since anyone has seen anything like this event where amateur sailors are sailing  their classic yachts all the way around the world. I know the sailors competing are happy to be starting this epic adventure from the UK, the birthplace of the 1973 Whitbread.” Don McIntyre OGR Founder and Race Director.

OGR entrants from eight countries start arriving at Ocean Village from 26 August. The Race Village opens on 29 August. Daily Live WebTV sessions, opportunities to meet teams, Astro Navigation demonstrations and the chance to mingle with Whitbread Veterans are just some of the Ocean Village events. A black tie MDL Captain’s Dinner and Charity Auction with all proceeds split between the charities Blue Marine Foundation, Ocean Youth Trust South and The Maiden Factor Foundation is also planned.

In the marina, experience the buzz as 14 iconic yachts, including seven previous Whitbread entrants, complete preparations before setting out around the world. There will be plenty of pressure and last minute rush, as final briefings and comprehensive safety inspections take place before yachts are signed off to start.

Outlaw AU (28) Baltic 55 skipper Campbell Mackie from Australia spoke about his enthusiasm for the OGR, despite the frustrations and challenges involved in completing a 12 month refit in the USA and selecting a competent crew before crossing the Atlantic, and now the Fastnet Race, as final preparations for the Ocean Globe.

“It has been a crazy few years and we are still working hard on the boat! But one thing that does ring strongly in my mind is some words Don (McIntyre) once said to me, that getting to the start line is about two thirds of the effort. All I can say is, I bloody well hope so!” he said.

Maiden crew member Junella King speaking at the MDL Marinas press conference, 18 July 2023, and Marie-Claude Heys, Team Manager of The Maiden Factor. Image: Rob Havill / OGR2023

The 1989/1990 Whitbread saw Tracy Edwards MBE sail home the first ever all-female Whitbreadcrew onboard Maiden to Ocean Village Marina. Maiden UK (03) will once again relive history with Maiden UK (03) the UK’s only OGR entry.

Maiden UK (03) crew member Junella King (22) who was selected to sail onboard from the ranks of  the Antigua Sailing Academy was excited at the chance of being offered to compete in the Ocean Globe Race and further The Maiden Factor’s mission. This includes raising awareness of the 130 million girls worldwide who are currently unable to access an education and fundraising for and supporting community programmes which enable girls into education.

“Our main goal, as well as preparing for the race, is still empowering little girls and raising funds for female education. And now entering the OGR is exciting and challenging and allows me to experience some amazing ocean racing.” she said.

Race Village schedule of events Include:

  • Tuesday 29 August, 11:00 hrs – Official Ribbon Cutting
  • Friday 1 September, 13:30 hrs – An OGR Welcome from the City of Southampton
  • Friday 1, 18:30 hrs – Captain’s Dinner and Charity Auction
  • Tuesday 5 September, 17:30 hrs – Whitbread Veterans Reunion
  • Thursday 7 September, 14:00 hrs  – OGR Final Press Conference
  • Friday 8 September, 18:00 hrs – MDL OGR Farewell Hog Roast Party
  • Saturday 9 September, 14:00 hrs – Teams’ Public Farewell presentation 
  • Sunday 10, 09 00 hrs – Full teams parade depart Race Village to their yachts
  • Sunday 10, 11:00 hrs – SS Shieldhall OGR Cruise to the start and follow the fleet out Sunday 10th, 13:00 hrs – RACE START – Royal Yacht Squadron start line, Cowes, UK.

The OGR Village in Ocean Village, Southampton, UK opens Tuesday 29 August. Details and FREE tickets from here.

The OGR starts 10 September, 13:00 hrs from the Royal Yacht Squadron start line, Cowes. You can buy tickets to join the official OGR committee vessel, SS Shieldhall for the day with lunch and expert commentary following the fleet out from the marina, then the start gun and nearly to The Needles. This will be the ultimate OGR start day experience, bookings open for 150 guests 1 August.

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