A new IMOCA campaign built around ocean connection and health made its public debut in Lorient today, as French skipper Paul Meilhat and Portuguese co-skipper Mariana Lobato launched their boat for The Ocean Race Atlantic in 2026 and the around-the-world race in 2027.
Sailing under the name United by the Ocean, the pair are reuniting after finishing fourth together on Biotherm in The Ocean Race 2023. Meilhat, winner of The Ocean Race Europe in 2025, says the campaign's philosophy draws on the ocean's historical role as a connector of peoples and cultures.
"Since the very first sailors, the ocean has been a connector, linking people, places, and cultures together," he said. "In many ways, the ocean is the original social network, making trade, the exchange of cultures and ideas, and openness to the world possible."
The campaign's focus extends beyond race results. "Today we know the ocean is much more than this," Meilhat continued. "It is our greatest climate regulator, absorbing the majority of the excess heat generated by human activity, and capturing a significant portion of the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. A healthy ocean keeps us in balance and is something we can all unite around as it represents our shared future."
Lobato said reaching the launch with confidence was a significant marker, but the work continues. "Today we celebrate this but tomorrow we get back to work to get all the preparations in place. The best way to bring a project like this to the starting line is get started and take on the challenges one at a time."
She is also looking ahead to a particular highlight in the around-the-world edition. The 2027 race route includes a transatlantic leg finishing in Cascais, Portugal. "I have so many wonderful memories of competing in The Ocean Race events on home waters, both editions of The Ocean Race Europe, and now looking forward to next summer in Cascais. It will be fantastic!"
On the crew front, Lobato confirmed that Benjamin Ferré will join for The Ocean Race Atlantic. The team is still finalising its broader line-up but has set an ambition of a 50/50 gender split across both races. "Our ambition is to sail 50/50 (two women, two men), not just in The Ocean Race Atlantic (as per race rules) but also in the around the world race in 2027," she said.
The relaunched boat carries the United by the Ocean livery, and the campaign will include ocean awareness work alongside contributions to ocean science. Meilhat will also continue his long-standing collaboration with NGO Surfrider Foundation Europe. "We are looking forward to working with like-minded companies and organisations that share our values in recognising a healthy ocean as a critical force for good that impacts each of us, all around the world," he said.
After commissioning and sea trials through the rest of the month, the team plans a delivery trip across the Atlantic in August ahead of the race start from New York City on 1 September. The around-the-world race follows, starting from Alicante, Spain on 17 January 2027.
