Aotearoa Ocean Racing (AOR) was co-founded by skipper Conrad Colman who in 2016 became the first person to complete the Vendee Globe, the toughest test in sport – a non-stop solo race around the globe - without the assistance of fossil fuels (not running the engine), and Rowan Gyde a marine business strategist.
“Sailors are the eyes of the ocean – we see the changes long before they reach the headlines,” Colman said. “Partnering with ORA means we can help to turn that observation into action.”
AOR is preparing for the next edition of The Ocean Race which will return to Auckland in 2027, and ORA is proud to be the in-ocean impact partner for the AOR team.
Plans are also afoot for ORA and AOR to combine forces with a futuristic and innovation presence at the upcoming Auckland Boat Show 5-8 March 2026.
Earlier this month AOR announced a partnership with KiwiFibre, that will see KiwiFibre’s regenerative composite introduced into selected non-structural parts of AOR’s IMOCA.
ORA is led by the team at Auckland-based EnviroStrat. CEO Dr Nigel Bradly said the partnership with AOR shines a global spotlight on the potential for new blue economy ventures in New Zealand.
“Both parties are committed to accelerating restoration, scaling impact, and creating long-term pathways for healthy oceans and resilient coastal communities,” says Dr Bradly.
“ORA’s mission is to benefit communities through regenerative ocean farming that improves climate outcomes, marine biodiversity and water quality whilst creating economic and social impact for coastal communities.
“This includes exploring innovative finance mechanisms such as ‘nature credits’, similar in concept to carbon credits, which attract support from sustainable tourism providers and investors and enable scaling of restoration efforts.”
AOR’s ambition goes beyond racing. Using its platform, the aim is to capture global attention, champion authentic sustainability, and showcase the urgent need for ocean action.
AOR’s global platform connects international audiences and potential supporters of New Zealand’s efforts to solve complex environmental problems with marine innovation and restoration.
“We believe this partnership provides invaluable opportunities for ORA’s charitable work in environmental restoration to be showcased at international sailing events including multiple international stopovers during The Ocean Race 2027, AOR’s Kiwi Marine Tech Symposiums in Lorient, and the Vendée Globe build-up,” said Dr Bradly.
