The Ocean Race is proud to partner with Charles Heidsieck, named today as the official champagne of The Ocean Race, the world's premier offshore sailing race and the toughest test of a team in sport.

The partnership marks a reunion between two iconic brands - Charles Heidsieck, a luxury champagne that has just honoured the 200 year bicentennial of the birth of its founder, and The Ocean Race, heading into its 50th anniversary jubilee celebrations.

Founder Charles Heidsieck is known for his adventurous spirit, just like the sailors in The Ocean Race. He ventured across to the USA in 1852, the first champagne house to conquer the new world, making connections across oceans and continents.

The Charles Heidsieck legacy in The Ocean Race is a French flagged entry in the 1981-82 Whitbread Round the World Race (a precursor event to The Ocean Race). Skippered by Alain Gabbay, the 21 metre sloop Charles Heidsieck III finished in second place in the third edition of the race.

"We are thrilled to become the official champagne of The Ocean Race," said Veronique Lamotte, Global Brand Director of Charles Heidsieck. "Like the sailors who compete in The Ocean Race, Charles Heidsieck was a man defined by audacity, adventure and ambitious undertakings. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of all of the competitors and raising our glasses with the winners at the leg prize giving ceremonies as the Race shifts to the USA and then returns to Europe.“

The Ocean Race is an around-the-world sailing competition that tests the limits of human endurance and technological innovation. This is the 14th edition of the Race, and the first to include the fast, foiling, flying IMOCA boats, which push the limits of technology.

The partnership between Charles Heidsieck and The Ocean Race is a testament to a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, perseverance and sustainability.

The Charles Heidsieck Champagne House is B-Corp Certified, in recognition of its commitment towards an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy, and illustrates the commitment of Charles Heidsieck to improving its social and environmental impacts on the planet. B-Corp Certification is a crucial step in an evolution towards a positive and purpose-driven business model. Learn more here.

Since December 2015, Charles Heidsieck vineyards boast the “Sustainable Viticulture” label with "HVE” (High Environmental Value). Protection of the environment, respect for biodiversity and sustainable vineyard management are central to their operations and at the the core of their daily work.

"We are excited to have Charles Heidsieck as our official champagne," said Richard Brisius, Race Chairman of The Ocean Race. “We share an appreciation for achieving the extraordinary and driving change towards a healthier, sustainable planet. We look forward to celebrating with Charles Heidsieck champagne at the finish line of each leg of the race and honouring the overall winner of The Ocean Race at the Grand Finale in Genova, Italy.”

Leg 5 of The Ocean Race, from Newport, Rhode Island in the USA to Aarhus in Denmark starts on Sunday 21st May. The race continues from Aarhus to The Hague (via a Kiel ‘fly-by’); before the Grand Finale in Genova, Italy at the end of June.