Holcim ‘GO CIRCULAR’ ready to set sail in The Ocean Race

14 January, 2023

The Holcim-PRB GO CIRCULAR crew, led by Kevin Escoffier, brings together a diverse team of young talents such as Olympic medallist Susann Beucke (Germany) and Solitaire de Figaro winner Tom Laperche (France); and accomplished sailors with a track record in iconic races, including Sam Goodchild (UK), Abby Ehler (UK) and Fabien Delahaye (France). Julien Champollion (France) and Georgia Schofield (New Zealand) join as onboard reporters

Swiss team about to set off on round-the-world regatta on mission to accelerate circular living

TOMORROW [Sunday 15 January] will see Holcim cross the start line of The Ocean Race as the only Swiss team to compete in the legendary round-the-world sailing marathon, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary. With GO CIRCULAR, Holcim will be circumnavigating the globe on a mission to preserve the world’s oceans with a call to action to accelerate the shift to circular living.

The team Holcim-PRB crew is led by French skipper Kevin Escoffier, who was a crew member of The Ocean Race’s winning team in its last edition in 2018. The world-class team brings together highly accomplished sailors with a track record in iconic races, from the Olympics to the Vendée Globe, Route du Rhum, and others.

Racing for progress, the GO CIRCULAR team will be collecting water samples to advance marine science throughout the race, hosting ‘GO CIRCULAR from sea to city talks’ to raise awareness for more circular living and restoring marine ecosystems with Holcim’s bioactive concrete reefs.

Phil Lawrence, race director of The Ocean Race, said: ‘As The Ocean Race is about to start its 50th anniversary jubilee race, it’s exciting to see new partners like Holcim supporting teams with ambitious sporting and sustainability goals. The focus of our event is always ‘sport first, sustainability everywhere’, and high-level professional teams like Holcim-PRB embody this spirit perfectly.’

At the christening of GO CIRCULAR in Alicante, Spain, Holcim group head of communications Nollaig Forrest said: ‘Holcim are excited to go on their first round-the-world regatta with The Ocean Race. As a global climate-positive sports event, it symbolizes our net-zero journey. For us at Holcim, the future isn’t written, it is built, and we want to build it net zero to make it work for people and the planet. Circularity is at the core of how we make this happen.’

Olivier Troussicot, general manager PRB, remarked: ‘I am thrilled to take PRB’s sailing legacy and achievements over the last 30 years, including two Vendée Globe victories in 2000 and 2004, to new heights as part of Holcim. I look forward to seeing our Team Holcim-PRB pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in The Ocean Race.’

Kevin Escoffier, Holcim-PRB team skipper, said: ‘The Ocean Race is huge; one of the most extreme crew races that exists. I am inspired by the positive team spirit of our sailing crew, bringing together unique talent and expertise. Combining our strengths as one team makes us unstoppable. I am proud to be leading such an accomplished crew around the world. Together, we are racing with purpose to ‘Go Circular’ to protect our oceans, the heartbeat of our planet.’