A racing sailboat speeding across the ocean with a colorful sail against a clear blue sky.

© Marin Le Roux, polaRYSE | 11th Hour Racing

TITLE SPONSOR

The clock is ticking, and restoring our seas is an undertaking as large as the ocean itself ...

Based in Newport, Rhode Island, USA, 11th Hour Racing is inspired by the teamwork, strategy, and urgency of sailboat racing - and channels that energy into protecting our ocean. Just as sailors steer a boat one degree at a time to reach their destination, 11th Hour Racing drives incremental, meaningful change toward a healthier planet.

Through its three core programs - grants, sponsorships, and ambassadors - the organization supports innovative projects, uplifts local solutions to global issues, and shares stories that connect people to the planet. Its goals focus on driving sustainability in the marine industry, advancing equity and inclusion in sailing, promoting composting and zero-waste solutions, expanding access to ocean education and careers, advancing coastal restoration and resilience, and helping its hometown island (Aquidneck Island) lead the way in sustainability.

You can learn more about their mission and impact at www.11thhourracing.org

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS

North Sails Performance Apparel: Innovation Worn with Purpose

North Sails was born from a spirit of innovation. In 1957, aerospace engineer Lowell North applied scientific precision to sailmaking, transforming the sport and setting a new standard for performance on the water. That same pioneering mindset drives our apparel today—where every stitch, seam, and fabric choice reflects decades of ocean-tested expertise. 

Our performance apparel is engineered for those who live by the wind and weather. Designed to meet the demands of elite sailors and ocean adventurers, the collection features advanced technologies like GORE-TEX Pro for uncompromising waterproof durability and protection from the most brutal environments. Every detail is crafted to keep you dry, agile, and focused—no matter the conditions. 

But innovation at North Sails goes beyond performance. As an Ocean Positive Brand, we are deeply committed to protecting the waters that inspire us. Our apparel integrates recycled materials, organic cotton, and closed-loop design principles, all supported by a supply chain that prioritizes environmental responsibility. We are proud to be the only marine apparel brand with B-Corp certification, reflecting our dedication to ethical business and ocean stewardship. 

North Sails Performance Apparel is trusted by champions and chosen by those who push boundaries. It’s gear that reflects our legacy, respects the planet, and empowers you to go further. Because at North Sails, looking ahead is how we make history.

B&G®, part of Navico Group, is the global benchmark for those who live the sea with passion and vision. Since 1955, we have supported sailors with instruments designed to go further, sail faster, and navigate every route with greater safety. More than seventy years of continuous innovation have allowed us to transform the sailing experience, combining advanced technology with deep on-water expertise, a balance that enables professionals, teams, and enthusiasts to perform at their best in any condition.

Our product range — including B&G Zeus™, Vulcan™, Triton™ and the award-winning Nemesis™ — embodies the essence of our mission: intuitive, reliable solutions designed to help every sailor unlock their full potential. Each system is created to make navigation more conscious, safe, and accessible, honoring the profound connection between people and the sea. As the official partner of the world’s most prestigious sailing events, B&G supports the challenges that push the sport beyond its limits, while promoting a responsible culture at sea. Through Navico Group’s sustainability roadmap, we are committed every day to protecting the oceans, reducing environmental impact, and advancing innovation that respects the planet. We collaborate with organizations that share values of inclusivity, education, and positive impact, because we believe sailing is more than a sport: it is a global community that grows through passion, knowledge, and respect for the environment that sustains it.

Boero YachtCoatings is a leading Italian brand specializing in high-quality coatings and finishes for yachts and marine applications. With decades of experience, the company develops advanced paint systems designed to enhance performance, durability, and aesthetics in demanding marine environments.

Renowned for its innovation and technical expertise, Boero works closely with boatyards, designers, and racing teams to deliver tailored solutions for both sailing and motor yachts. Its products are used worldwide, from leisure boating to top-level competitive sailing.

Committed to sustainability and continuous research, Boero YachtCoatings combines cutting-edge technology with a strong environmental focus to meet the evolving needs of the marine industry.

Learn more at www.boeroyachtcoatings.com

Gottifredi Maffioli is a family-owned Italian company specialising in the production of sailing lines, ropes, braids and high-performance cables for industrial applications. Founded in 1926 in Novara (Italy), it has become a symbol of Made in Italy excellence, operating in full alignment with its four core values: Lightness, Accuracy, Passion and Respect. Its history is defined by constant innovation, from producing the world’s first Nylon ropes, used in the 1954 Italian expedition that conquered K2, to developing the lines for Azzurra, the first Italian yacht to compete in the America’s Cup.

Since then, the company has become a world leader in the most prestigious regattas, from ocean racing to the America’s Cup, from superyachts to Olympic classes. Gottifredi Maffioli embraces an ESG-driven approach. The company uses exclusively Bio-Based Dyneema® for its lines, reducing environmental impact without compromising performance. It reuses packaging, promotes the collection of empty spools as part of a circular economy strategy, and continuously increases the use of renewable energy sources. Through its partnership with B-Corp Ogyre, an organisation dedicated to protecting the oceans through the "Fishing for Litter" initiative (removing waste from the sea), the most iconicOne Design products are plastic neutral: for every kilogram of these lines sold, an equivalent amount of plastic waste is recovered from the ocean.

Gottifredi Maffioli also actively supports several local associations and social initiatives within its community. Gender equality and inclusivity are a tangible reality within the company: the team is equally balanced, with 50% men and 50% women. With a strict equal pay policy, the company fosters a positive and stimulating workplace where both personal and professional growth are strongly encouraged.

Ubi Maior is an Italian company specializing in high-performance sailing hardware, particularly furling systems for racing and cruising yachts. Known for its precision engineering and innovative design, the company develops lightweight, reliable solutions used by professional sailors and teams competing at the highest level of the sport.

With a strong focus on performance and durability, Ubi Maior products are widely adopted in offshore racing, including IMOCA and other elite sailing classes. The brand combines advanced technology with Italian craftsmanship to meet the demanding needs of modern sailing.

Committed to continuous innovation, Ubi Maior works closely with sailors, designers, and teams to refine its systems and support performance on the water.

Learn more at www.ubimaioritalia.com

TECHNICAL PARTNER

Team Malizia is an international offshore sailing team, skippered by German sailor Boris Herrmann. The team competes in the biggest offshore races around the world and uses this unique platform, to communicate the excitement of our sport and to inspire ambitious climate action.

Our slogan and logo combines both facets of our identity: A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now! accompanied by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals wheel on the sails of our Malizia - Seaexplorer racing yacht. The team has four main pillars to the campaign – sailing, science, education and partnerships which are co-dependant on each other for success. We raise awareness by collecting ocean climate data, educating the public and children on scientific and climate change topics with an education programme in 11 languages and by partnering with companies, NGOs, scientists and institutions to achieve change and further our mission. 

Learn more at www.team-malizia.com

AMBASSADOR TO

UpWind by MerConcept is a program designed to enable women and underrepresented profiles to access the highest level of offshore sailing — both on the water and beyond.

Through a demanding sporting project, a strong collective dynamic, and concrete actions, UpWind is working to sustainably evolve the standards of the sport.

At UpWind by MerConcept, we aspire to reshape the narrative of offshore racing, envisioning a sailing community that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive. Launched in February 2024 by MerConcept, with Founding Sponsor 11th Hour Racing, our new Ocean Fifty project will enable female sailors from all horizons to sail at the highest level, while benefiting from the best professional support available: whether at sea, in contact with the best, or on land, alongside highly qualified technical teams.

Learn more at www.upwindbymerconcept.com

Protect Our Winters (POW) was founded in 2007 by professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones as the first climate advocacy organization within the outdoor community. What began as a small group of passionate athletes, creatives, and brands has grown into a powerful network of over 77,000 members, all united by a shared mission.

POW works to bring people together across all backgrounds and beliefs, helping to move the climate conversation beyond politics and toward real, collective action. The goal is simple: protect the outdoor places we all depend on and love.

With millions of people connected to the outdoor industry, there is a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change. POW focuses on engaging this community by highlighting what’s truly at stake, not just powder days and clean air, but our livelihoods, our environment, and our economy.

Because when it comes to climate, there’s no time to waste.

Learn more at www.protectourwinters.org

Eco-athletes are sports professionals who use their platform to raise awareness and take action on environmental and climate issues. Coming from a wide range of disciplines, from sailing and surfing to skiing, trail running, and cycling, they are uniquely positioned to witness the direct impacts of climate change on the environments where they train and compete.

By sharing their experiences, supporting initiatives, and partnering with organizations, eco-athletes help connect global environmental challenges with real, tangible stories. Their voices play an important role in inspiring communities, influencing industry practices, and encouraging more sustainable choices both within sport and beyond.

As trusted role models, eco-athletes contribute to a growing movement that links performance, responsibility, and the protection of our natural playgrounds.

Learn more at www.ecoathletes.org