• Entrants and Crew / Crew Requirements
• Boats and Equipment
• Communications and Racing Rules
• Fees and Costs
• Sponsors and Sponsorship

Entrants and Crew / Crew Requirements

1. I would like to crew in the OGR, share costs and even join a syndicate. What can I do?

Join the OGR2023 Interested Entrants Facebook Group for updates and opportunities.

2. What happens if the entry list is full and I still want to apply? And will you increase entries above 30 boats?

If entries are full in your chosen class you may go onto a waitlist and hope that one of the provisional entrants does not meet all the requirements or cannot get to the start line and you will take their place. The waitlist is based on order of receiving your application. 30 is the absolute maximum number of entries allowed. 18 months before the start, if one class has spaces left, but another class has a waitlist, OGR may balance this offering more spots in the full class than currently stipulated.

3. I am entering in the Voyager Class in a NAUTOR SWAN 46 with seven crew. If one crew member is a woman, Yacht Master, under 24 years old, does that meet three of the OGR crew conditions in one person?

YES. Minimum crew is now dropped to 6 in Adventure class.

4. The Captain or Chief Mate must complete the entire course, or I am disqualified? What do we do if that person is injured on leg three and cannot continue?

Retire from the Race or make contingencies like ensuring you have an ‘spare’ Chief Mate doing the whole race. Special circumstances will be considered at the time.

5. As designated skipper I am not sure of the professional/amateur status of some of my crew, so cannot guarantee we are below the 33% professional limit. What should I do?

Find out. OGR define ‘Professionals’ – a sailor in any capacity between the age of 24 & 70 who is paid, or has been paid anytime to go sailing after September 10 2011 . Any sailor who has been paid to race a sailing yacht, or who has worked in an active capacity in a race related industry such as sailmaking, yacht design or coaching is considered Professional. Voluntary work introducing youngsters to sailing or delivering yachts is not considered professional in this context. Individual cases should apply to the race committee for a ruling).

It is the skipper’s responsibility to sign the compliance declaration before the start of each leg. If another entrant makes a complaint against you or OGR have concern and you are found NOT to comply, then you may be subject to a time penalty and or a financial penalty.

6. Does the medical and dental examination need to be conducted 3 months before the Prologue or the Start?

3 months before the start

7. Does our camera operator need to have done the 1500 miles on the boat?

If they are a sailor with more than 1500 miles on other boats, No. If not, they need to meet the NOR as all other crew.

8. Do all crew need a Marine Radio Operators licence or just skipper and mate?

No, only skipper and mate.

9. Could you please tell me what you mean by operator? What is the difference with Sailingcerts? Originally I thought you meant radio operator but then I saw radiocert?

That’s referring to National Boat Operator Licences and to be regarded as an addition to other Sailing Certificates like Yachtmaster etc. For example, I have the German Boat Operator Licence as well as the RYA Yachtmaster Certificate. If the crew have an RYA certificate only, that’s absolutely sufficient.

Boats and Equipment

1. I have a good ocean voyaging GRP production boat for the OGR that is not a Nautor Swan. What is the process for seeking approval on that boat for the race and what is the main criteria?

Consideration *may* be given to approving alternate designs that must be of a similar type, with similar sail area displacement to the current group, be of a proven high construction standard and design, female molded production boat with first of type launched no later than 1988. To seek approval, you should first send basic details for an opinion from the OGR team who may then require further information. Nicholson 55, Oyster Lightwave 48, Grand Soliel 52 and Baltic 48 are now approved.

2. Can I remove the furniture and locker doors down below in my yacht to save weight and reorganise bunks and build a new chart table area?

NO. The OGR is a Production Boat race so the original layout and production fit out MUST remain including all doors and the saloon table. Extra lockers and bunks may be fitted. Upholstery may be left behind; all liners must remain unless a new watertight bulkhead is being built when some considerations for alterations can encourage the new bulkheads.

3. Can I alter my rig to swept back spreaders, taller mast and put in extra forestay and back stay?

NO and YES. If the original design has inline spreaders they may not be changed. You can fit extra spreaders. You cannot exceed the original design lengths for all spars, but you can decrease the dimensions. You can fit extra forestays backstays and chain plates and add any extra standing rigging.

4. Are telescopic spinnaker poles allowed?

No.

5. Can I alter the deck layout for sheet tracks and blocks?

YES you can change deck layouts and add extras.

6. Can I fit roller furling systems?

YES permanent fixed furling systems are allowed. Flexible removable furling systems like code zero or spinnaker socks are banned. Spinnaker Socks are now also approved.

7. OGR do not seal engines and each boat must run their engine in gear for exactly 15 minutes each seven days. What day can I do that and how fast can I go and how can you tell it is done?

Mondays are motor days. You have 24hrs to do it. The Designated Navigator and one other crew must confirm and sign the ships log of start and finish time in gear. Speed and revs is entirely up to the crew. In heavy weather this can be cancelled.

8. What if I cannot buy a radar unit without built-in GPS readout, what can I do?

Don’t buy it and go without, or find one that does not show GPS.

9. Who is the authorised person onboard that has access to the full chart table GPS chart plotter AIS system for man overboard applications and how can you stop others from looking at the screen?

Two people onboard other than the Navigator are trained and authorised MOB Men to use the system. A MOB Button is at the helm station. The unit is left on 24hrs a day. It is covered from view at the chart table by its suncover. Once a day, one of the MOB Men will lift the cover and check all systems are operational then close the cover and NOT disclose any of the information to the navigator or other crew. All Crew are instructed on the use of the system before the start of each leg. The MOB Men are authorised to fly GPS read-out Drones and operate the Iphone to send satellite photos. 

10. All my electronic instruments are interfaced to each other and not allowed under the Notice of Race so what should I do?

Disconnect the data link if possible? or Remove them and fit ‘Approved’ simple stand alone, wind speed, direction, close hauled, speed, log, echosounder, sea temperature with repeaters down below. NO Mega on deck screens are allowed. OGR will make available a list of ‘Approved instruments’ You do not need to remove Banned electronics, just disable them by removing a vital component that can be simply replaced later.

11. I have teak decks and no room for 4 sq metres of high vis orange safety paint. What can I do?

Change something and make 4 sq. mtrs of paint space somewhere?

12. Can I remove the current engine and put a lighter engine in and how much fuel can I carry?

You may fit a new engine, but the HP must NOT be less than originally specified in the design, even though the new engine will probably be lighter. You must start each leg with at least 200ltrs of fuel and you must after crossing the finish line, motor to the dock.

13. When I drop my keel and rudder to check all bolts and structural hull members etc what surveyor can I use?

For Nautor Swan yachts we recommend Nautor approved surveyors, but if your current surveyor is recognized internationally by insurance companies to complete surveys you may submit their professional credentials to OGR for consideration and prior approval. It is NOT compulsory to drop your keel. That decision will be made by the surveyor. As always the final responsibility rests with the skipper.

14. My Swan 65 has carbon masts, Harken carbon winches and carbon poles. Do I need to replace them all and is ROD rigging allowed?

Any carbon spars and rod rigging fitted prior to 1 July 2019 are allowed on any entrant. You will have to remove and store the carbon spinnaker poles as they are NOT allowed. Rod rigging is also allowed on production boats that were originally delivered with that. Ex Whitbread boats are allowed rod rigging.

15. I will use all new Dacron sails but are there any other sail restrictions?

YES, sloop rig maximum 11 sails, Ketch rig maximum of 13. All sails remain onboard for the entire race, including in port, unless written approval is given by OGR for each sail taken off. All sail repairs carried out onboard in port by any person. A new headsail or spinnaker brought onboard during the OGR is a 24hr penalty for each sail. A new mainsail brought onboard is 36 hr. time penalty. Spinnakers, Code Zero and Mizzen staysails can be any mix of colors, but mainsails and headsails must be ONLY ONE Colour! Mainsail must have 3sq meters high vis top. St Jib and trysail high vis. No flat top Mainsails and full battens to be substantially horizontal.

16. All the digital cameras and drones I hope to use in the race have a GPS read out, but that is not allowed, so how can I solve this?

MOB men are authorised to use GPS equipped gear and NOT disclose that information to any other crew. All that equipment must be approved by OGR.

17. Are modifications allowed to the companionway entry and can I build a permanent hard dodger?

Yes. All hard and soft dodgers must be safety orange.

18. I want to use only solar, water and wind generation and remove the main engine to fit an electric motor. Is that allowed?

No. You must keep the same HP diesel engine, but you are only compelled to use it for 30 minutes a week.

19. I am required to submit a refit plan for Hull and Rig then have that all surveyed before the start of the OGR by an ‘Approved’ rigger and hull surveyor etc. Who approves the surveyor?

For Nautor Swan we recommend their approved surveyors, but if your current surveyor is approved for insurance purposes you send their credentials to OGR for approval. They will assess the competence and notify you. We recommend using a professional rigger to survey the Rig.

20. Can I set up a permanent bowsprit for asymmetrical spinnakers etc?

No, not unless it was part of the original design up to 1988.

21. I have an Ex Whitbread yacht from the 1977 edition. The keel is welded in so how can I drop the keel for survey? She has also been modified for cruising so is not substantially the same as entered in 1977 so do I have to change her back to that configuration to enter?

All ex Whitbread yachts will be treated on a case by case basis. Cruising modifications are not of concern. The only modifications that will be reviewed are performance mods that have increased the speed potential since it was originally designed. The refit plan submitted by the entrant will be looked at closely and the ‘approved’ surveyor will then be tasked with ensuring the boat is refit correctly and is then ready to sail around the world. Welded keels will not need to be dropped but a thorough inspection and reports will be required.Final responsibility rests with the Skipper.

22. 2 Anchors, chains and warps – does that mean 2 chains and 2 warps?

This depends on the commercial requirements of your country (requirements if you would use your boat commercially differ from country to country). 

23. Are synthetic seacocks accepted? 

Yes, if ISO certified. 

24. Are Iridium Extreme Phones allowed? 

Yes. 

25. Is GPS allowed or not: it seems very difficult to sail without an ASN VHF, an ASN BLU, an AIS etc… and if we disconnect the GPS, we do not respect the basic rules of the SMDSM. I understand the aim of the event so you just have to specify how we can use these tools without having access to the GPS Position (sticker on the display or ?) just explain…

No GPS. If you have a VHF with GPS it may need to be covered and one without GPS installed. Handheld VHF units without GPS are OK. Your AIS needs to be a TRANSPONDER only that transmits your AIS information but the screen cannot be seen or your existing AIS can have a cover fitted. You will always have a lookout in the cockpit.

26. Electric Pilot or Hydrovane or nothing: if yes but penalty, explain the amount of the penalty and how you imagine to control because with a good electric pilot, you can leave 4 guys on ground and the amount of the penalty will drive the number of the crew, the amount of food you must have on board etc.

Basic compass course only Auto pilots will be allowed to remain installed. NO wind interface allowed and the penalty for use (if not for safety related issues) is 1 hour for every two hours use. Same with Windvanes like Hydrovane.

27. Are electronic chronographs allowed or do we have to use a mechanic watch? 

Electric watches are allowed.

28. Is an electronic barograph allowed or do we have to use a mechanic one? 

Not electronic Barograph but electric or wind-up paper barograph OK

29. Could you precisely explain what you expect in the field of safety equipment?

What type of life jacket: are we allowed to use or can we use what we want? PLB and AIS portable balise? WS approved inflatable harness and extras inc with auto acting AIS Beacon and PLB attached as per NOR which must be followed see NOR T2 

What type of life raft? What do you want us to have into the life rafts in addition to the legal ? Are we free to choose in accordance with the rules of our countries? At least Two Life-rafts making up 200% of maximum crew, complying with SOLAS LSA code 1997 Chapter IV or later version (or to ISAF Cat 0 requirement) packed no earlier than June 30th, 2023 and containing as a minimum a SOLAS A pack See NOR P10.

Flares: Do you want us to have more than the rules of our countries ask us? If yes, please be precise. Solas flares, digital or pyrotechnic, in date for at least 12 months, 6 red hand flares, 2 white hand flares, 2 orange SOLAS compliant smoke flares, five cyalume-type light sticks.

What fire extinguishers are required? 3 x 2kg Adventure Class (4 x 2kg other classes) fire extinguishers and fire blanket.

30. The Man Over Board at the helm station: what system should this button be connected to? Maxsea? Adrena? Weather 4D, any other system we choose (only one? or two?) are we free to decide and then we can assume the risk or do you prefer to share the risk by choosing a solution? 

You cannot use electronic charts on computers and software at all. The button should be linked to your chart table nav chart plotter system and audible alarm to wake crew. You should not have a chart plotter in the cockpit or at the helm, just the MOB button for the audible alarm that also links to the main chart plotter.

31. What about tracking systems, EPIRB’s and PLB’s? 

We will use the YellowBrick system for tracking with one hard-mounted YB3i and two handheld YB3 Pro units. You need two EPIRBs, PLB for 110% of crew, a SART in the grab bag.

32. Do you have any updates on the OGR-approved liferaft from Plastimo? 

Yes, please contact Plastimo France directly or reach out to Race Control for personal contact information.

33. There should be 8 litres of emergency water per person. Can we decide ourselves in how big containers we have the water onboard? Or do you require it to be specifically also in 8 litre canisters? 

This has been amended as per March 2nd 2023 amendments: Emergency water. 2 x 10L containers filled with 9L of water shall be onboard and sealed. (18hr time penalty if seal is broken) and have facilities for catching rainwater for drinking water onboard.

34. The 3h sea trial for the emergency rig. Is it required in any case or just if we will use a kite as part of the emergency rig? 

A test of the jury rig alongside with jury sails set and sheeted, photos taken, will be accepted with a full written plan of action.

35. Are we allowed to bring on board 2 mainsails?

Yes.

36. We would prefer using a battery powered MOB search light, rather than a wired one. It is simpler, more flexible, and the battery is rechargeable with boat energy. Do you agree?

No, it must be hardwired to the ship’s battery. An additional, rechargeable battery search light is recommendable.

37. Do we need to place a DSC-VHF behind the OGR instrument cover? 

Yes.

38. Can we use an antenna splitter for AIS and VHF?

Yes.

39.Do I need an AIS Beacon and a PLB for 110% crew?

Yes. The AIS beacons must be attached to the lifejackets, the PLBs can be attached or carried aboard. 

40. Today some beacons are doing both AIS and 406 Mhz. Do you require 2 separate devices, or are you ok with one device complying with the 2 requirements you have (AIS + 406 Mhz)?

We required two separate units, one for AIS, one for 406 Mhz.

41. Are low friction rings permitted as part of the running rigging?

Yes. 

42. Forward of the crash bulkhead must be filled with floatation material. Would a combination of foam blocks and boat fenders allowed?

Yes, ensuring that the space is completely filled with the fenders and that the crash bulkhead can be locked 100% watertight before and after taking the fenders in and out. 

43. Do we need to buy both abandonment and constant wear suits for 110% of the crew, or will either be sufficient?

You need survival suits for 110% crew and they can be either constant wear suits or abandonment suits. 

44. Are we permitted to construct a prodder to fly asymmetrical sails?

No.

45. Nor 5.1.4.H says “a completely independent set of high quality emergency LED navigation light and an independent power source must be on board.” I understand that means the emergency lights must be on a DIFFERENT power source, and a different circuit, but not to a dedicated source. Correct? We want to have the main light on service batteries, and security lights on another set of batteries, that are actually used to start the generator. Is that OK with you? 

These are not normally used at all. They are simply battery operated emergency LED lights, so you need your masthead tricolour and your full deck nav lights and then this independent back up emergency set.

Communications and Racing Rules

1. This is a race but there are no racing rules and OGR are not affiliated with World Sailing. How does that work?

There is absolutely no requirement to be affiliated with World Sailing. Two yachts sailing on the same course is a race, as one always prefers to get there first. Each yacht is simply on an International voyage and an adventure. First yacht home wins! All yachts are bound by the International Regulations for Prevention of Collision at Sea (COLREGS). This is simply the rule of the road used by all mariners and MARPOL regulations apply. The safety standards required to meet the OGR security regulations cover world’s best practice in all critical areas meeting all international maritime obligations for yachts of this type.

2. When do you lock up crew iPhone and computers and when do they get them back?

Entrants are given a secure waterproof bag before the start. All crew phones computers and other banned equipment goes in the bag, and it is then sealed two hours before the departure from the dock on start day and carried onboard with the entrant. On arrival the bag goes to race control, the seal is checked and if intact opened. If broken, a severe time penalty and possible financial penalty is given.

3. Can I call my friend ashore on the marine SSB radio and discuss the weather with him?

You can tell him about your weather, but the only weather you are able to receive onboard from a third party is reading out the official WMO High Seas forecast for your area, unless you are talking to another ship at sea when any weather and position information is allowed.

4. I want to set up a modem on my HF SSB radio to receive emails is this allowed?

No. You cannot use a computer for the emails and modems are NOT allowed.

5. If I contact a ship at sea and, using his satellite internet he can get onto windyTY weather program, can he give me any weather information?

YES even though it is banned by any other means this meeting of mariners at sea and passing information is a tradition of the sea and allowed.

6. Can a ship at sea give me my position if I ask him?

Yes.

7. Will I be required to meet WS Cat O. Safety standard?

No. The OGR has it’s own strict safety and security regulations as defined in the NOTICE of RACE. They meet all legal and moral requirements for responsible international mariners.

8. How much water must I carry at the start?

All standard water tanks must be full and at least 2 gallons of emergency water for each crew member securely stored in containers. A mandatory emergency manual desalinator must also be carried in the grab bag and a 72hr time penalty is applied if used.

9. How are safety communications managed?

Entrants can use the Yellowbrick YB3 satellite tracking/ texting unit (2 carried) for short messaging to OGR control 24hrs a day. Race control can send short messages to entrants 24hrs a day with the same unit. The Iridium Sat phones (2 carried) are ( power on 24hrs a day) used for text messaging and voice calls as required between Entrants and OGR control only, or RESCUE AUTHORITIES in an EMERGENCY. No other sat phone use to private numbers are allowed and no incoming calls allowed from third parties. or severe time penalties and possible fines apply. A separate YB3i dedicated tracking unit sends to the LIVE TRACKER.

10. How can I find out the position of the other entrants?

There will be a twice daily Voluntary HF SSB chat session when all entrants are encouraged to participate and give their positions etc. Once a week OGR Control will TEXT position of all entrants to all entrant sat phones.

11. When is the “two-day mandatory Safety and Rescue briefing” 

During the race village within the two weeks before the start. 

12. We have already use a YB3 tracker and have our own tracker page on our website – will that stay during the race?

No. When you arrive at the prologue port, we take over all trackers to then put you on the OGR Yellow Brick tracking page. Entries are not allowed to have their tracker individually on sponsors or their own tracking page. It all can be pointed to the OGR Tracker with links. We do not allow entrants to embed the tracker data on their own or associated pages so all traffic goes through the OGR official site.

Fees and Costs

1. What is a ‘reasonable’ budget for a competitive entry in the OGR?

A competitive ADVENTURE CLASS entry with 8-9 crew starts with a good NAUTOR SWAN 55 for around €180,000, a refit using crew labor €100,000, entry fees €25,000, insurance and misc €20,000. Capital outlay is €325,000. Your crew should contribute total operating cost around the world, food and maintenance. At the conclusion sell your beautiful SWAN for €200,000. The experience has cost €125,000. (You could do it for less with a smaller entry). That will buy half of one foil on a new IMOCA 60.

2. I am the owner skipper of my boat. Can I take paying crew for various legs?

YES, if they are contributing to share real costs. If they are paying more than that, check with your local Maritime Authority as you may then be considered as a commercial charter boat with special rules. If paying more than €3750 for any leg you are deemed a Commercial Entry and the Sponsor Supplement is applicable.

3. Does the entry fee include any OGR mandatory equipment?

NO. Beside meeting the strict OGR Notice of Race safety equipment requirements, there are three compulsory group purchases that OGR will make on behalf of all entrants and then the entrants will pay that cost back to OGR. The three groups are, 1. First Aid Kits, briefings and medical coverage from MSOS in the UK. 2. Satellite tracking devices and coverage (possibly YellowBrick) and 3. Two satellite phones and accessories with sealed sim cards.

4. As crew we have to attend the Race Office for CREW ACCREDITATION (NOR 2.4.2). Where and when do we do this and how do we pay?

You will have already completed all OGR entry formalities (including PASSPORT type photos), and been accepted into the OGR many months before. When you first arrive at the OGR Race Village at the start , or on your first arrival at a stopover Race Village if that is to be your first leg, you need to present yourself to the OGR CREW MANAGER in the Race Office, Pay your FEE in CASH, and receive your Photo ID SECURITY PASS and merchandise. Without the pass you will not be able to get onto the Secured OGR Marina or any of the VIP access areas in the Village etc. This Pass gets you into many of the official functions so do NOT lose it. A replacement pass will cost €65.

Sponsors and Sponsorship

1. What happens if the OGR does not receive a title sponsor?

We are very confident we will secure solid support for the OGR. Just like in the 2018 Golden Globe Race, the Ocean Globe Race is fully underwritten by McIntyre Adventure and guaranteed to start. The ‘parties’ may not be as big if budgets are small, but the adventure continues day by day on Social media. One thing is certain, the passion of people to follow adventure sailing and challenge based on human endeavor and extreme endurance is huge! The Golden Globe Race proved that. Without a main sponsor The Media file was valued at US$185 million. The OGR family will grow rapidly around the world. Our research clearly shows that while the race for speed and flying with Elite pilots is exciting, SLOWING DOWN and following heroes, brings out core human values, intense emotion that ordinary people, mums and dads relate to and understand. In this fast world we now live in, sometimes looking back, is the best way to go forward! The OGR delivers unique opportunities.

2. What restrictions on sponsor signage are there?

All details are in the Pre-Notice of Race. Entrant sponsors receive a minimum 3m x 1.5 m mainsail panel (Adventure class) and 4m x 2m (Sayula-Flyer Class) each side. Sponsor or boat name on each side of the hull in 50cm High letters and 20cm on the transom Adventure Class and 60cm and 30cm for other classes. Other individual sponsors names (Not sales slogans) around the gunwale in Black or White Ariel type, max 12.5cm high. Entrant or Sponsor URL centered on main book for 50% length (75% length for Ketch rig). Spinnakers, Code zero and Mizzen staysails are free of restrictions. Clothing is free and signage below deck is free. In the host port marinas, a large 8 m x 3.5m max. Sponsors communication mainsail may be hoisted and two rail banners 2.5m x 55cm are allowed forward of the mast each side. Below the first six OGR forestay flags Five Entrant flags 2m x 1.33m may be flown. Entrants also carry mandatory OGR event signage and flags.

3. My sponsor wants to do multi-colour graphics on my hull using vinyl wrapping and paint a slogan below the waterline. Is this OK?

NO and YES. The hull and deck above the waterline can be any colour but only one colour (contrasting non-skid is allowed) and vinyl wrapping in banned. You can paint any slogans etc below the waterline underwater when the boat is at rest.

4. Do I pay the sponsor supplement for every sponsor I get and what if I only have one small sponsor that is less benefit than the cost of the sponsor supplement?

NO. You only pay one sponsor supplement and have as many as you like. If just one small sponsor you MUST pay the full sponsor supplement or not accept that sponsor. People can give you money or product as a gift and that is NOT sponsorship UNLESS they seek some recognition for that gift in any medium whatsoever. Then it is sponsorship. If they make one mention of it in a Facebook post, website, public function or newsletter it is Sponsorship.