Paul Meilhat pulled off a rare feat in The Ocean Race 2023 when he and Mariana Lobato piloted Biotherm to fourth place, a respectable result that left both skippers hungry for another crack at the circuit. Now they’re getting their chance, and they’ve just put their cards on the table with the launch of their new IMOCA in Lorient.
United by the Ocean is more than a catchy campaign name. Meilhat, who won The Ocean Race Europe earlier this year, and Lobato have built their project around ocean conservation and international crew diversity, with the boat’s livery serving as a visual declaration of those values. The pair are aiming for a strong finish in The Ocean Race Atlantic (departing New York on 1 September for Lorient) and a competitive showing in the around-the-world race starting from Alicante on 17 January 2027.
The philosophy behind the campaign speaks to something deeper than podium finishes. Meilhat framed the ocean as humanity’s original connector, long before social networks existed. “The ocean is our greatest climate regulator,” he explained. “It absorbs the majority of excess heat from human activity and captures a significant portion of atmospheric carbon dioxide. A healthy ocean keeps us in balance, and that’s something we can all unite around.”
Lobato is equally committed to the mission. She’s particularly looking forward to the around-the-world race’s Cascais finish in summer 2027, having competed in Portuguese waters during previous editions. “Getting to the point where we can launch with confidence is a big milestone,” she said. “Tomorrow we get back to work and take on the challenges one at a time.” She’s also confirmed that Benjamin Ferré will join them for the Atlantic leg, and the team is actively recruiting for a balanced crew roster.
The standout detail here is their 50/50 crew target. The Atlantic leg mandates gender parity anyway, but United by the Ocean intends to maintain that split all the way around the world in 2027, which remains uncommon at this level of offshore racing. The crew line-up will be completed in coming weeks as they prepare for sea trials throughout August and the Atlantic delivery trip.
Meilhat is carrying forward his relationship with Surfrider Foundation Europe as part of the campaign. The partnership reflects a broader commitment to raising awareness and contributing to ocean science rather than simply racing and moving on. It’s the kind of integrated approach that distinguishes a modern Ocean Race campaign from purely sporting ventures, and one that resonates with a growing segment of sailing’s audience.
With the boat launched and the campaign public, United by the Ocean is entering the business end of preparation. Sea trials start immediately, leaving roughly two months to iron out the kinks before departure from New York. It’s a tight window, but Meilhat and Lobato have proven they work well together. Their 2023 result wasn’t flashy, but it was solid, and they’ve had time to reflect on what a second attempt might look like. The launch is just the beginning.
