New Zealand Ocean Racing has advised that it has formally withdrawn its entry to The Ocean Race (TOR) 2022/2023.
Headed by New Zealand sailor and alumni of The Ocean Race, Bianca Cook, New Zealand Ocean Racing had been working to compete in the V065 class of the famed round the world race. Unfortunately, the unavoidable impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, together with a lack of sponsorship, has made continuing with the campaign untenable.
“This is not a decision we ever wanted to have to make. We’re devastated.” says Cook. “We have always been realistic about what we needed to achieve to get us to the start line in 2022, and sadly we just couldn’t make that happen. The effects of Covid-19 and the withdrawal of Auckland as a race stopover have made it impossible – despite our best efforts – to get to Alicante for the Race.”