The Ocean Race announced on Mar. 18 that its 15th edition in 2027 will feature a new transatlantic leg, departing from St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida, and arriving in Cascais, Portugal.
This marks the first time in the race’s 54-year history that Florida’s Gulf Coast will serve as a port for the event. The stopover is scheduled for May 4-16, 2027, with activities centered at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club and in partnership with the University of South Florida (USF). The IMOCA fleet will be berthed at USF’s waterfront during this period.
Rob Britts, Stopover Director for St. Pete-Clearwater, said: “The Ocean Race embodies much of what our community already represents: a deep tradition of ocean racing and a strong commitment to ocean science, sustainability, marine innovation, STEM education, and tourism.” Britts added excitement about both welcoming global attention and creating a lasting legacy for the community.
St. Pete-Clearwater becomes the latest Florida destination to host The Ocean Race; previously Fort Lauderdale and Miami have welcomed competitors during earlier editions dating back to 1989–90. Steve Grimes, chief marketing officer for Visit St. Pete-Clearwater said: “It’s an honor to be selected as the North American destination on this prestigious race that encompasses some of the globe’s most iconic coastal communities… Everyone can expect a memorable stop-over experience for The Ocean Race.”
Commodore Christian Bergstrom of St. Petersburg Yacht Club highlighted more than a century of sailing tradition at Tampa Bay: “We are honored to see that legacy continue as St. Petersburg enters a new chapter and becomes the North American stopover for The Ocean Race in 2027.”
During its stay in Florida, visitors can access public events including team boat viewings and dock walks as well as educational exhibits focused on sailing and ocean conservation efforts through Racing for the Ocean initiatives—a collaboration involving scientists such as those from USF College of Marine Science.
Tom Frazer, dean at USF College of Marine Science said: “We’re super excited to welcome The Ocean Race teams to our waterfront campus… Advancements in science, technology and ocean education will be on full display.” Richard Brisius, Chairman of The Ocean Race remarked: “Departing from the shores of St. Pete-Clearwater and arriving in the historic sailing waters of Cascais is a way to connect two coastal cities with enormous passion for the ocean.”
Following its start from Alicante on January 17th—featuring one of its longest legs ever—the race route includes stops across multiple continents before concluding with an inaugural sprint down Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.
