Sailing Team DMG Mori has announced its crew for The Ocean Race Atlantic, assembling an experienced international lineup under the Japanese flag that blends offshore pedigree with strategic depth.
Skipper Kojiro Shiraishi will lead the team, joined by crew members Sam Davies, Nicolas Lunven, and Arisa Moriya. Renowned onboard reporter Anne Beaugé will document the campaign from the deck.
A Skipper With Deep Ocean Credentials
Kojiro Shiraishi is one of the most recognizable names in Japanese sailing and a veteran of some of the sport’s most demanding races. He made history as the first Asian sailor to complete the Vendée Globe, finishing the grueling solo non-stop round-the-world race in 2008–2009. He returned to the Vendée Globe start line multiple times, cementing his reputation as one of the most tenacious offshore sailors of his generation. His leadership of Sailing Team DMG Mori represents a continued commitment to putting Japan on the map in top-tier ocean racing.
An International Crew Built for Performance
The crew selection signals serious intent from the Japanese-flagged campaign. Sam Davies, the British-born sailor who has long been based in France, brings decades of elite offshore experience. A two-time Vendée Globe competitor and former skipper in The Ocean Race, Davies is one of the most accomplished women in the history of ocean racing. Her ability to push hard in the Southern Ocean and manage fatigue over long legs makes her a critical asset on any short-handed crew.
Nicolas Lunven adds further French offshore expertise to the roster. The Breton sailor is a seasoned navigator and helmsman who has competed at the highest levels of shorthanded and crewed ocean racing, including multiple editions of major French offshore classics. His tactical acumen and deep understanding of weather routing will be invaluable across the Atlantic.
Arisa Moriya rounds out the sailing crew, representing a new generation of Japanese offshore talent. Moriya has been steadily building her ocean racing résumé and her inclusion in this high-profile campaign alongside such experienced teammates speaks to both her ability and the team’s investment in developing Japanese sailing talent on the world stage.
The Ocean Race Atlantic: A New Chapter
The Ocean Race Atlantic represents an exciting addition to the ocean racing calendar, offering teams a competitive transatlantic challenge under The Ocean Race banner. For Sailing Team DMG Mori, backed by the precision engineering company DMG Mori, the event is a chance to test crew dynamics, build toward future campaigns, and showcase Japanese sailing at an international level.
The inclusion of onboard reporter Anne Beaugé ensures that fans and followers will have an intimate view of the campaign. Beaugé is one of the most experienced OBRs in ocean racing, having covered previous editions of The Ocean Race and other major events, delivering compelling storytelling from some of the most remote waters on Earth.
Japan’s Growing Presence in Ocean Racing
Sailing Team DMG Mori’s participation in The Ocean Race Atlantic underscores Japan’s growing ambitions in professional ocean racing. While Shiraishi has long been a trailblazer, the formation of a fully supported, internationally competitive team with strong corporate backing suggests a more sustained commitment. The blend of Japanese and European talent on the crew sheet reflects a pragmatic approach — leveraging global expertise while building a pathway for Japanese sailors like Moriya to gain experience at the highest level.
As the start of The Ocean Race Atlantic approaches, Sailing Team DMG Mori’s crew announcement positions the Japanese entry as a team to watch. With a skipper who has circled the globe solo, crew members who have logged tens of thousands of ocean miles between them, and a support structure built for performance, the campaign has all the ingredients for a strong showing on the Atlantic.
