24A - The Ocean Race: From Racetrack to Force for the Ocean

00:00:13: Welcome to Michael's Green World.

00:00:15: On this podcast, we often talk about technological innovation.

00:00:19: Today I'd like to explore a different kind of innovation How science business policy makers and passionate people can come together To turn good ideas into real solutions for our oceans.

00:00:36: That is exactly what i would like to discuss today with Lucy Hunt from the Ocean Race.

00:00:44: Lucy, welcome to Michael's Green World!

00:00:47: Before we begin could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your role at Ocean Race please?

00:00:55: Thanks very much Michael.

00:00:56: really nice to be here.

00:00:57: so my name is Lucy Hunt.

00:00:59: I'm a marine biologist from Southwest Ireland And you might wonder why is a marine biologist working with the sailing race, but I think we're going to find out little bit more about that in our podcast which will be cool.

00:01:22: But i've been working through the evolution of ocean education and ocean literacy and then with the Ocean Science Programme also with our stomachs programs that are packaged under the racing for the ocean programs.

00:01:42: So looking forward to getting stuck into that, Bucci and Michael?

00:01:47: Very good Lucie.

00:01:48: I already feel like i can learn a lot this time around in particular.

00:01:53: Lucie For listeners who may not know The Ocean Race particularly those Like Me Who Do Not Follow Sailing could you take us back To Its Origins How The Race Began And What Is The Ocean race Today?

00:02:07: Yeah, sure.

00:02:08: It's a very cool story.

00:02:09: actually it originated in the UK and a pub Actually in Portsmouth an appub there.

00:02:16: So that's its origins And I was the with red brewery and the Royal Naval Sailing Association came together to start this wild idea of sailing teams sailing around The world.

00:02:29: so the idea took shape in the early nineteen seventies and on September eighth, nineteen seventy-three the first with bread around the world race set sail from Portsmouth.

00:02:41: It was extremely dangerous full of adventure.

00:02:46: you know they didn't have I suppose the equipment that we have now.

00:02:50: They were wearing woolly jumpers sailing in the southern ocean.

00:02:55: but there's always been about adventure Test of teamwork.

00:03:02: you know there is that winning mindset and it's really evolved into one other leading sporting events in the world an unleading sailing event when it comes to innovation which i know your very interested.

00:03:17: and when it comes to also purpose.

00:03:20: So, its changed from many different types of boats that used The ocean race as we know it now and true that the journey of the boats have changed in an innovated.

00:03:40: And now, they're like machines flying machine that we had and there are called a mocha's and they are foiling both.

00:03:50: so again very innovative very different type of boat.

00:03:55: And they're also still able to contribute to science when their out there sailing, sailing extremely fast you know nearly upto forty knots so setting records across the ocean and having purpose as well.

00:04:13: Wow

00:04:16: that's pretty cool!

00:04:17: So it started.

00:04:20: pure sports engagement.

00:04:23: it's a new challenge type of thinking.

00:04:25: so in the beginning it has had nothing to do with sustainability or something like that.

00:04:32: you know is always been connected but the ocean oceans are racetrack off course.

00:04:36: But it didn't have a large focus on sustainability or have a mission around protecting the ocean, but it's evolved over time.

00:04:47: Like in two thousand and one.

00:04:49: we had our first science instruments deployed off of the race In the twenty seventeen eighteen edition.

00:04:57: We had our First Ocean Literacy and Education Program develop And then our Racing with Purpose program.

00:05:09: that's now evolved into a racing for the ocean programme.

00:05:12: And, thats where we've really seen liftoff from the twenty seventeen eighteen race which signs equipment on board The Ocean Education Programme.

00:05:22: That started in five languages and is now in eighteen languages and used in something like ninety countries around the world.

00:05:33: And now we have our summits program, in different countries bringing high level people together to take action for the ocean... It's really changed!

00:05:45: We also make sure that rules within our race are applied for sustainability, innovation and access inequity as well like in this race that we now have.

00:06:00: In uh...this year twenty-twenty six We have the Ocean Race Atlantic And there's a regulation around fifty-fifty crew members.

00:06:10: so male and female um..crew.

00:06:14: So giving more opportunity to women in the sport of sailing as well, so looking at our access and equity elements.

00:06:23: As well as sustainability and innovation and ocean health.

00:06:28: You said there was this moment when you started bringing Ocean Literacy along with the race?

00:06:35: Maybe that's a starting point or bringin' the purpose?

00:06:39: is it about right?

00:06:43: Why did it happen or what triggered that?

00:06:46: Yeah, so from twenty seventeen eighteen we were able to access some funding.

00:06:54: Some of our partners and sponsors That's where interested in helping us create further impact on positive impact And raising awareness as well around the ocean and issues of the oceans.

00:07:09: That was the first year that we aligned with the UN Clean Seas Program.

00:07:14: And, there's a focus on ocean plastics and how to protect them from single-use plastic.

00:07:26: We also had our first ever microplastic sampler onboard where the boat could take water samples and we were able to work with our scientific partners... ...to measure the microplastics in the ocean.

00:07:43: And I think back then, in twenty seventeen eighteen about eighty five percent of the samples had microplastic in them.. ..and unfortunately in a twenty-twenty two, twenty three race.... We found that same sampling technique in the round-the-world race, all of the samples had microplastics and them.

00:08:05: So definitely the twenty seventeen eighteen race was a turning point for the race where we have fantastic partnerships that allowed us to create larger impact on outreach as well.

00:08:21: And I suppose one our key missions now when you could say are North Star seeming is were talking about sailing is the UN Ocean Decade Challenge Ten, Restoring Society's Relationship with The Oceans.

00:08:35: So we have this amazing platform sporting elite sporting platform that reaches millions of fans and you know millions people will come visit their sailing race when they're in the whole cities.

00:08:50: so really We Have The Opportunity to Engage People To Help Them Understand The Ocean better and the ocean's place on our planet, how it allows us to live here.

00:09:02: And we can all be stewards or champions for the

00:09:06: sea.".

00:09:08: What I find so powerful is that you're using an elite sporting platform not only to entertain people but make the oceans visible!

00:09:17: Here in Switzerland, the ocean feels very far away... ...and yet what happens in this ocean is closely connected with from changing weather patterns to the wider climate system.

00:09:33: The challenge is that so much of the ocean is out-of-sight and therefore often out of mind.

00:09:39: Sailing changes that, it gives people a reason to look ,to care & listen.

00:09:46: Through the fascination of the race you can reach millions of peoples including many who might otherwise never engage with ocean issues.

00:09:57: Was this part of

00:10:00: your idea?

00:10:00: Yeah, for sure.

00:10:02: Like we've been able to tell our story to people who are close to the ocean already and you know our sailors Who would tell their stories of the Ocean?

00:10:11: And arm aciders for the ocean.

00:10:14: You know they help people connect with the ocean as well.

00:10:18: But I think Our sporting event it calls out to a lot of different People not just Sailors you Know because We work With Different Industries both builders, we work with our partners who come from many different areas and arenas.

00:10:35: And we want all of the people that were engaged or say The Ocean Race family to be engaged in the racing for the ocean mission as well.

00:10:48: so it's a very important part of what we do as a race.

00:10:57: Let's use it for good and let us use the good of ocean that is so close to our hearts and sports.

00:11:07: So this where purpose of the ocean race becomes clear?

00:11:11: It has evolved from being primarily a sporting event into platform connect sport, science business an public engagement around the ocean.

00:11:22: what makes distinctive not any one those elements but the way you bring them together and turn the visibility of their race into wider action.

00:11:33: Would that be a fair description?

00:11:36: Yeah, for sure!

00:11:38: Like I suppose in some ways we could think about as a catalyst because it brings so many different facets together... ...and so many entities together around the ocean.

00:11:50: So we have the emotional power of sport.

00:11:56: bringing that together with a mission to protect the ocean, I think is very valuable.

00:12:01: And it's a great way to work with different organizations as well.

00:12:07: when we're in the events space and where you have this huge sailing race that can draw on parallels between living on a boat be when you're on a boat and your out in the long leg.

00:12:24: You don't have anything more than what you've got here on our planet, we should really think about that mindset as well.

00:12:32: so...you can use those sort of parallels but also the parallel of the sailor's mind set..when a sailor is going to sea they are winning mindsets.

00:12:50: And when we think of the challenges that were faced with today, especially around climate and you know he spoke about some of the issues inland.

00:12:59: We need to collaborate like a team.

00:13:02: That's in our race and we need have a winning mindset.

00:13:06: How do we win or how did become resilient enough To make it A win for ourselves, you know when we're faced with climate change and adaptation And things like that?

00:13:18: So I think there's a lot of things that we can learn from our sailing teams an apply to Our ocean actions and missions.

00:13:26: When were collaborating?

00:13:28: working With different entities?

00:13:31: That raises the question about your role.

00:13:34: are you primarily a communicator a convener that brings the right people together A platform for testing new scientific and social ideas or an advocate for policy change?

00:13:48: Or is your real strength precisely that you combine all of these, connecting people, testing solutions influencing the wider debate.

00:13:57: And giving people a sense of agency and hope?

00:14:00: how do you see that balance

00:14:02: Michael?

00:14:02: I think it's... ...a bit of everything that you've just mentioned really because We do many different things from our science program on board to our summits and convening.

00:14:18: And you know, we're able to bring many different people together.

00:14:22: so it can be industry, science sportspeople youths and when he brings this diversity of people together to work for the ocean is again like catalyzing the work that needs to get done.

00:14:36: And I think these interdisciplinary approaches are really important.

00:14:40: when we talk about ocean action and awareness, it's not just communications even though it's about driving action as well.

00:15:02: And that's what we see when we have our summits, so when we invite ministers or policymakers you know... We're sharing best practices but also nudging policy and nudging action on a high level which is really important to us!

00:15:24: Also we work with local organizations in different areas that we're going to ahead of the race arriving there, and a head-of-a-summit arriving there so that we know what are the priorities for that area.

00:15:39: And see how we can help nudge those

00:15:41: priorities.".

00:15:43: When we think about ocean education you work with local education departments.

00:15:56: we arrive there and then the schools have an amazing experience at our you know festival for the sea, sailing in ocean life parks.

00:16:06: So it's a real integrated approach as it helps drive action and awareness because were able to emotionally connect people with the ocean and allow them to see easy ways that they can get involved more with the ocean, get involve more at sailing but also getting involves in taking action for the ocean.

00:16:30: So Lucy you have explained the purpose of this integrated approach very clearly But purpose ultimately has to lead to action.

00:16:40: How does the Ocean Race turn that Purpose into real world impact?

00:16:45: What are the main Ways In which You Make a Difference?

00:16:48: through education, science policy or other forms of action.

00:16:54: Could you give us a few concrete examples?

00:16:57: Of what has happened because the ocean race

00:17:00: exists?".

00:17:02: Yeah so I suppose where do we start?

00:17:05: but there's...

00:17:05: There is a

00:17:06: lot different things if we think about Ocean Education and the program that we've developed.

00:17:12: We have an ocean education for twelve to sixteen year olds with different modules that educators can use and it helps the young generations understand why the ocean is important because of course we need to know before we even want to protect it.

00:17:30: And then also steps people can use.

00:17:33: but within the educator's pack there are a lot social emotional learning techniques used, they can use them in their classrooms or clubs and it's active learning as well.

00:17:48: And then for the older generations, from twelve to sixteen-year olds there is a lot of project based learning.

00:17:53: so if school in Switzerland they are not close to the ocean They can still do projects that helps them connect their place with its relationship with the ocean.

00:18:06: We've seen lots nice projects come form these different education programs And we've even seen where a youth group in Rhode Island, which was one of our stopovers came together and they proposed plastic bottle bill to their local government.

00:18:24: having taken on our education program.

00:18:28: Which is called Generation Ocean That's one example.

00:18:32: something very positive that come from the Education Programme.

00:18:36: The programme has been highlighted awards and by IUCN, Sports for Nature as a best practice.

00:18:46: Also the World Sailing has also recognized it as a great program And we've worked with World Saling on sailing clubs sustainability education pack As well.

00:19:00: so there's a lot of resources.

00:19:02: There are people to use.

00:19:05: We're seeing positive impact come from.

00:19:07: I am also doing a part-time PhD, which focuses on the learning program influencing ocean literacy and pro environmental behavior.

00:19:18: So studying how it's actually creating change.

00:19:22: if it is creating change but thankfully we do see change happening then so that's the education programme.

00:19:28: very much youth focused children with their educators.

00:19:43: Obviously, we have our science program on board which you've heard a little bit about but we take climate data ocean climate data from our essential ocean packs that are onboard and that helps scientists take the pulse of the ocean so really getting to understand how healthy And this data is shared, so it goes to a number of different ocean-observing platforms and then helps inform policy.

00:20:15: It can also help the scientists calibrate and measure better quality data as well.

00:20:23: So we're helping on that front As well getting innovative with engineers and scientists in putting new equipment on board, you know previously in the twenty seventeen eighteen race.

00:20:37: The equipment was much heavier took a lot more energy but now twenty twenty three it's a lot lighter its more resilient and it takes less energy from the boat as well.

00:20:49: so working on innovation whole time.

00:20:52: another great example I suppose tangible examples how we've worked through our summits on nudging policy.

00:21:02: It's a jai in Brazil.

00:21:05: we were able to work with local NGOs.

00:21:08: To understand what was some of their key things that they wanted it happen around the ocean, In there region and so one of it is ocean literacy an ocean education creating ocean culture in their city which isn't ocean city.

00:21:25: And then also the recognition of The Oceans Inherent Rights, which we were very much working closely on as well.

00:21:33: So... We helped nudge that policy by having the mayor sign a declaration for the ocean at our summit in Itojaii in twenty-twenty three and then they local organization was able to use that To help further the policy change.

00:21:55: about nine months after we left, there an ocean bill was written

00:22:00: in

00:22:01: for Ocean Education to be all of the schools and also recognize the ocean culture.

00:22:17: There are some key things that I think what's important would change in our industry as well, is we don't just talk about these things.

00:22:30: We actually implement them ourselves.

00:22:33: so when you look at sustainability... ...we have a sustainable event excellence and try to reduce our footprint as much possible.

00:22:42: but also how can educate Our internal team on ocean literacy, you know so we're walking the walk as well.

00:22:53: We are not just doing it externally It has to happen from inside our own team Aswell.

00:22:59: So its really important.

00:23:01: that comes From That place and I suppose You Know.

00:23:05: sometimes people say oh you have a racing for The Ocean Sustainability department But actually our whole Team Is Racing For The Ocean.

00:23:14: Its Not Just A Department.

00:23:17: Yes, that distinction is very important.

00:23:20: Racing for the ocean isn't simply the responsibility of one department.

00:23:25: it has to become part of a culture in which this purpose becomes action Ocean literacy and education scientific research and sustained engagement with policymakers.

00:23:44: Let me add another dimension local action.

00:23:47: At each stopover, how do you turn the global visibility of the ocean race into something relevant and lasting for the host city and its communities?

00:23:59: Yeah so again it's working very closely with our host cities.

00:24:03: we're actually visiting.

00:24:07: We have many guidelines around sustainability and a sustainable event, but then we also work with them to make sure that they are doing the best practices.

00:24:16: That they can possibly do in that region.

00:24:20: so you know when it comes to sustainability and Sustainable Actions and hosting a sustainable events looking at what Can They Do?

00:24:29: Like using re-usables over single use of course like always trying To avoid The Single Use Looking At Food And Beverage What can we provide that is the most sustainable for that region?

00:24:41: So it's not coming in like a helicopter approach and saying you must do this.

00:24:47: And these are the only things you can do, It's actually working again on an integrated approach to seeing what's possible In That Region.

00:24:57: Let's Do The Best Practice That Can Happen In That Regions.

00:25:02: We Work With Them Months In Advance to create a sustainable event in each of the regions, and to create super events as well.

00:25:12: You know where it is like a festival?

00:25:14: Where culture has shown there's music... There are opportunities to go see the boats.. The schools program for you can get up to ten thousand kids coming down over the course of this stopover.

00:25:29: so there're lots different things that we do.

00:25:34: Again, if we have a summit or know that we can work with high-level people.

00:25:39: We'll discuss the NGOs doing groundwork all of time to understand what are their priorities and key things they might like change?

00:25:50: That's where you come in as catalysts and nudge again!

00:25:56: I suppose.

00:25:57: also give visibility because it communicates.

00:26:01: So we give visibility to a commitment that is made and then, that commitment is global.

00:26:07: And public.

00:26:08: so the local agencies and organizations can use it again... ...to help their mission in trying to protect the ocean.

00:26:20: Sustainability also means asking whether the impact lasts?

00:26:25: When you return to a whole city do look back and assess what remained What changed and what was learned?

00:26:34: Yes, so we're very fortunate to be able to return to our host cities.

00:26:39: And see the changes over time that have happened... ...and also check in with host cities after finished up.

00:26:48: So continue their relationship Continue how they developed in certain areas.

00:26:55: If education program is still being used prior to the race arriving.

00:27:02: And then we are looking at creating now a legacy report, to showcase what has happened in the host cities that we've visited in the past.

00:27:15: so that will be uh new type of research that we'll do but we do have our economic and impact reports for every race But this is something So we're going to look at into doing that now as well.

00:27:34: These reports are valuable resources in their own right, so will include some of them in the show notes they also showed.

00:27:43: this is not about one off campaigns or short-term visibility.

00:27:47: it's about creating lasting cultural change and how people understand value and care for the ocean.

00:27:55: Yeah, for sure.

00:27:57: It's really important and I think it is as you say Michael the ocean culture And we can do that on many different levels with the race from youth to high-level industry.

00:28:09: You know the sports people as well.

00:28:12: Just a couple of weeks ago We held a science communication workshop for the teams so that the teams feel empowered To talk about the Ocean Science Program more like they do a great job talking about what they see out there and being ambassadors for the ocean.

00:28:28: But it's nice for them to really feel confident in speaking about our science program as well, so we support them in that also and hold workshops and provide resources for them To communicate better around Ocean Science.

00:28:45: So... That is another sort of tangible thing We do!

00:28:50: Let me make a little more concrete Through Redes Fantasma, the Swiss non-profit organization I help lead.

00:28:59: we work closely with Ocean Patrol Association in Portugal.

00:29:05: We have discussed a possibility of beach cleanup around the future ocean race stopover in Portugal although nothing has been formally agreed yet.

00:29:14: but it illustrates broader question How important are local NGOs and community partners to the way the ocean race works?

00:29:24: What can they contribute in terms of local knowledge, trust participation at lasting impact that a global organization could not achieve on its own.

00:29:34: I think working with local NGOs is crucial like i don't think we would do it any other then to work with local NGOs.

00:29:43: There's expertise there already, it would be silly for us to come in and think that we know at all.

00:29:49: you know?

00:29:50: There is a lot to be said about the ground-up approach working within communities whether its on beach cleans or other innovative science projects.

00:30:03: We look into how can collaborate

00:30:09: choose partners, especially local NGOs.

00:30:13: What matters most to you?

00:30:15: what do you look for in terms of expertise credibility shared purpose and the ability to create lasting impact?

00:30:24: Yes so if we want a partner with a local NGO I suppose it would be looking at what sort of projects they're running.

00:30:32: So are doing marine plastics Do ocean data initiatives, things like that.

00:30:42: Education partners as well?

00:30:43: So is there an organization working in local ocean education that would like to use our resources or ocean documentaries that we could showcase in our facilities, so people can connect with their local Ocean.

00:31:11: We will be there for anything from five days to three weeks but the Local NGO is much longer after us and if someone wants action they need to reach out for sure, so that's how we would go about it really in promoting the local NGOs are there on site.

00:31:37: This conversation gives me hope.

00:31:40: you're working with young people scientists policy makers cities and communities where they reach.

00:31:48: an emotional power of sport allows to engage people who might otherwise never think deeply.

00:31:56: Many people say that it is too late, or one individual or organization cannot make a difference.

00:32:03: But if we wish we had started twenty years ago then today is the moment future generations will wish they have started!

00:32:13: The ocean race shows how energy and visibility of sport can bring very different worlds together to turn concern into action.

00:32:24: That gives people a credible reason for hope.

00:32:28: I now understand much more clearly why the ocean race exists and how it has evolved.

00:32:34: So let me finish with one simple question If our listeners were to take away just one sentence from this conversation, How would you describe what the Ocean Race is today?

00:32:49: Great questions so that The Ocean Race Is an incredible sailing platform and race that enables positive change for the ocean, true emotional connection.

00:33:03: And to an incredible sailing event.

00:33:06: Lucy thank you very much.

00:33:09: this conversation has given us a much clearer understanding of how The Ocean Race combines sporting adventure with purpose science education and real world action for the oceans.

00:33:22: Thank You For Joining Me And thank you to everyone listening.

00:33:26: You'll find links to the Ocean Race and the program we discussed in The Show Notes.

00:33:31: If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Michael's Green World on your podcast app... ...and share it with someone who may also be interested in the future of our ocean.

00:33:41: That helps more people discover these conversations.

00:33:47: Thanks so much Michael!

00:33:48: It has been fantastic really nice talking

00:33:51: to you.

00:33:52: Thank you Lucy.

00:33:53: Goodbye Everyone.