Virtual Regatta and The Ocean Race extend their partnership

Virtual Regatta and The Ocean Race have renewed partnership © Virtual Regatta

Virtual Regatta and The Ocean Race have renewed their partnership for the 2023 edition of the crewed around the world race, which will kick off from Alicante (Spain) on January 15th.

Five of the high-tech, foiling IMOCAs will be racing around the world, while another six VO65s will compete for The Ocean Race VO65 Sprint Cup, by racing in the European based legs of the event.

More than 200,000 players are expected to take part in the Virtual Regatta Offshore and Inshore versions of the Race which has seven IMOCA legs and three VO65 Sprint stages on Virtual Regatta Offshore, with new features for a virtual experience that will be even closer to reality!

"We are happy to be the Official Game of The Ocean Race for the fourth time and are proud to be associated with one of the world's most important races, as well as an event that is committed to the protection of the ocean," says Tom Gautier, head of Virtual Regatta Offshore. "E-Sailing is steadily growing and attracting an ever increasing number of players. We expect more than 200,000 players on Virtual Regatta Offshore and Inshore over the next six months," he continues.

An exceptional edition in the sign of the Metaverse

2023 will also be the year of the Metaverse for Virtual Regatta and The Ocean Race, who are being supported by Accenture. "The Metaverse is a new and exclusive experience developed by Virtual Regatta and The Ocean Race, which soon onwards will allow people to follow the physical and virtual race in an all-digital race village. Gamers and enthusiasts will be able to meet, watch the physical and digital event, and much more," explains Tom Gautier. "This virtual reality setup will further enhance the fan experience," he adds.

Two Ulysse Nardin watches, full packs and prizes

For this edition of The Ocean Race Virtual, The Ocean Race and Ulysse Nardin have decided to demonstrate their joint commitment for the Ocean with a first limited edition, sustainable luxury timepiece: the Diver The Ocean Race. As Official Timekeeper of The Ocean Race in real life and on Virtual Regatta Offshore, the independent watchmaker established in 1846 will present an official race watch to the winning eSkipper of the 2023 edition of The Ocean Race on Virtual Regatta Offshore.

A further eSkipper who has having crossed the finish line of the 7 stages of the race will also have the opportunity to win a Diver The Ocean Race in a draw by bailiff.. Throughout the race, eSkippers will be able to win other prizes like Helly Hansen products, Official Partner of The Ocean Race, or Virtual Regatta Full Packs as reward the eSkippers' skills throughout the race.

The Stopover E-Cup

The Stopover E-Cup will be based on Virtual Regatta Inshore and consists of eight IMOCA challenges taking place during the stop overs of The Ocean Race in between legs. The winners will be qualified for the semi-final of the eSailing World Championship and will receive prizes awarded by The Ocean Race.

The winner of each challenge of Virtual Regatta Inshore will qualify for a live final which will be broadcast in Ocean Live Park in Genova and on social networks at the beginning of July. The winner will qualify for the semi-final of the eSailing World Championship. The top 3 will receive gifts The Ocean Race branded.

Performance options to move up the leaderboard

As in every race, those who want to perform better will have the opportunity to buy a Full Performance Pack. Available in both IMOCA and VO65 classes, this will allow players to increase their speed and improve their experience.

Note that by buying a Full Pack for one of the classes, a 50% discount will be applied for the other class. Those who have purchased a Full Pack on the first five stages will be offered the optional Full Pack on the sixth leg. And those who have purchased the offer for the full race will benefit from a VIP membership on Virtual Regatta at the end of The Ocean Race.

For Virtual Regatta Inshore, the race options will be available to access tactical advantages for each race of each challenge.

This edition of the fully-crewed round the world race is sure to be extremely challenging! Get on board with Virtual Regatta and The Ocean Race!