Yoann Richomme responds to route announcement for The Ocean Race

Yoann Richomme - Skipper of the Mirpuri Foundation Racing Team © Mirpuri Foundation Racing Team

"It is great to get The Ocean Race route for the 2021-22 edition confirmed. We are out on the water already in the Racing for the Planet boat, so knowing the profile of the race and particularly how much time we are spending in the Southern Ocean is important in terms of recruiting sailors with the right profile," said Yoann Richomme Skipper Mirpuri Foundation Racing Team.

"There are some new elements for this edition that will be very interesting. We have fewer legs than the last race but it's great to see the addition of a new stopover in Cabo Verde. There are some interesting changes to routes too including sailing directly from Cape Town to China for the first time. This leg will be challenging for all teams as it also passes through the area that saw the most boats damaged in the 2008 race."

"For me, the biggest change is the final leg from The Hague to Genoa. The race has never finished in the Mediterranean before and it shouldn't be underestimated how tricky sailing can be there in the summer. If the race is as close as the last edition and it all comes down to the wire, it can be anyone's race in this final leg. It will be very exciting for the fans."