The Ocean Race Learning Program: Advancing Ocean Literacy and Stewardship Through a Global Sporting Platform, Lucy Hunt & Rebecca White, The Ocean Race

The Ocean Race, renowned as the world’s most challenging round-the-world sailing competition, has developed a global Learning Programme supporting ocean literacy, environmental advocacy, and sustainable practices. Central to its mission, The Ocean Race Learning Programme uses the sport of sailing as an engaging medium to inspire young people and communities worldwide to become ocean stewards. Through a hands-on, interactive suite of learning resources, the programme deepens knowledge of marine ecosystems and equips learners with insights into the challenges faced by the ocean, fostering a commitment to sustainable stewardship.

The Ocean Race Learning Program prioritises inclusive education by uplifting local perspectives, fostering student-led learning and engagement with community, and increasing ocean literacy. Developed by a transdisciplinary team of educators, marine biologists, earth law specialists, scientists and conservationists ensure the programme includes up to date and context-specific insights and highlights regional ocean-related challenges. This approach amplifies underrepresented voices and raises awareness about global marine conservation from diverse, place-based perspectives.

Furthering ocean literacy remains a primary focus, with the programme introducing topics in ocean biodiversity, marine science, Nature’s rights, human impacts and circular economy. Designed to cater to varied learning styles and abilities, the programme incorporates case studies, blended learning resources, and practical activities and projects. The Ocean Race Learning programme is free to use and highly scaffolded to be able to be picked up and used by any teacher in any classroom. It is currently translated into 9 languages.

Through its multi-faceted, inclusive approach, The Ocean Race Learning Programme is nurturing a global community invested in ocean health. This paper will highlight The Ocean Race’s contributions to the Ocean Decade’s objectives through The Ocean Race Learning Programme; connecting people to marine issues on a personal level, to foster a sense of shared responsibility, inspiring informed action and building a foundation for global citizenship centred on sustainability.