Lorient to Host Start of The Ocean Race Europe 2nd March 2021 Lorient La Base in Brittany, north-western France Credit: Y Zedda/The Ocean Race The French town of Lorient in Brittany has been chosen as the starting point for The Ocean Race Europe. The iconic port, in the heart of the renowned Bretagne Sailing Valley, will host the start for both the IMOCA and VO65 fleets as they charge south across the Bay of Biscay. This will mark the first racing under The Ocean Race banner for the high-tech IMOCA class boats and the one-design VO65 class. For the teams, The Ocean Race Europe will be the first step on the journey towards the 2022-23 edition of The Ocean Race round-the-world event — and for some IMOCA teams for the Vendee Globe 2024 as well.