Sailing : Is New Zealand's Sailing Legacy at Risk in The Ocean Race?

The Ocean Race announces its return to Auckland in 2027, but New Zealand's presence in the event has significantly dwindled. This shift reveals a deeper story about the decline of Kiwi sailors in a race that once thrived on their participation.

Historically, New Zealand has a rich legacy in the race, with Mike Sanderson leading ABN Amro One to victory in the 2005-06 season, marking the last Kiwi skippered entry. Before that, the nation's entries, like Camper with Emirates Team New Zealand, showcased strong performances, including a second-place finish in 2011. However, the last New Zealand-flagged entry dates back over two decades.

Efforts to revive Kiwi representation, such as Bianca Cook and Tony Rae's NZ Ocean Racing initiative in 2019, faced challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and changes to race formats that bypassed New Zealand altogether. The transition from the traditional Volvo Class to the IMOCA class has further sidelined Kiwi sailors.

As the Auckland stopover is set to take place after a grueling 14,000 nautical mile leg from Alicante, Spain, the question remains: can New Zealand reclaim its legacy in The Ocean Race? The announcement underscores a critical moment for Kiwi sailing culture.