Race Village for the Ocean Globe Race officially opens

The Lord Mayor of Southampton has officially opened the Race Village for the Ocean Globe Race at MDL’s Ocean Village Marina in Southampton, on the UK’s south coast.

MDL Marinas staff, the race organiser, competitors, press and local race supporters were in attendance as the Lord Mayor, and Honorary Admiral of the Port, cut the ribbon and declared the Race Village open.

“I’m delighted to open the Race Village at MDL’s stunning Ocean Village Marina and officially welcome to our wonderful city the intrepid sailors who will shortly set sail to circumnavigate the globe,” says Lord Mayor Cllr Valerie Laurent.

“With so many international crews coming together, I think it’s wonderful that Britain and Southampton can host such an event, and it is so important for the city to continue to support sailing events of this magnitude, to honour Southampton’s maritime heritage, as well as its future as a centre for marine education and trade.”

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Whitbread Round the World Race, the fully crewed retro Ocean Globe Race 2023 will be run in the spirit of the original 1973 race, starting and finishing at Ocean Village Marina, as so many editions of this epic sailing challenge did before.

Many of the race yachts are already berthed alongside the marina’s pontoons, with competing crew members arriving daily to make their final preparations before embarking on this epic seven-month, 27,000-mile race around the world.

The countdown to the race start is now on. On Sunday 10 September at 1pm from the historic Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, renowned sailor and veteran circumnavigator, Sir Chay Blyth will start the 14 yachts in this retro edition of the famed race.

“Now the Race Village is officially open — let the festivities begin,” says Tim Mayer, MDL’s sales and marketing director. “With all the activities planned over the next couple of weeks, we’re hoping to recreate the jubilant atmosphere of the early races, inspiring the next generation of round-the-world sailors.”

“It’s free to enter the village, and there’s something for everyone from celestial navigation workshops and lifejacket checks to face painting and treasure maps. So, if you want to be front and centre of all the action at this truly memorable event, come down to Ocean Village and join in the celebrations.”

The Race Village at MDL’s Ocean Village Marina is open from 29 August–10 September 2023. Entry to the Race Village is free for guests who register via the MDL website.