The University of Portsmouth is partnering with Gosport-based ocean sailing team, Gentoo Sailing Team, to help protect our planet's marine ecosystems.
The University is supporting James Harayda, Skipper and Team Principal, in his bid to compete as the youngest international sailor in the world's biggest and toughest ocean race, the Vendee Globe, a single-handed (solo) non-stop round the world yacht race.
The skipper will be competing in the 2024 edition of the round the world race (with the aim of winning the 2028 race and being the first Briton to do so) which will start and finish in Les Sables-d'Olonne, France. The three-month race, which is known as 'the pinnacle of ocean racing' is scheduled to begin on 10 November.
University researchers will use his yacht, Gentoo, as a platform to conduct world-leading global marine research to help measure the challenges faced by the world's oceans, such as climate change, pollution and disappearing biodiversity. The partnership will also raise awareness with the general public and within schools internationally.
The partnership contributes to the UN Ocean Decade of Science for Sustainable Development led by the UNESCO-IOC (Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission) to advance global ocean science, foster sustainable development and protect marine ecosystems through collaborative research and innovation.
Professor Pierre Failler, Director of the Centre for Blue Governance at the University of Portsmouth, and Unesco Chair holder in Ocean Governance, said: "This research is embedded in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Decade of Ocean Science and UNESCO's mission to contribute to the building of a culture of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information."
"As sailors and users of the sea, we can all do more to minimise our impact on the seas and the Vendée Globe race, as well as the IMOCA class world series, are spearheading ocean racing in this regard with the incorporation of sustainability as a core objective. I know James is passionate about making a difference so I hope our students and university, our island-city and county will rally behind him.
From a research standpoint, the partnership is a unique opportunity to explore the role played by sailing and the yachting industry in improving the health of our oceans within a broader global policy framework. It is a chance to raise awareness about the many challenges to biodiversity from pollution to overfishing in areas which are rarely researched and not mentioned enough to improve their management."
To find out more about Gentoo Sailing Team's racing programme, its sustainability objectives and commercial opportunities, please visit :-
www.gentoosailingteam.co.uk/sponsorship
To follow the race which starts in November 2024 visit : -
www.vendeeglobe.org/fr/edition-2024
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