a thrilling overhead view of a sailboat in the Ocean Race, coming to St. Pete-Clearwater in May 2027

The Ocean Race Comes to St. Pete-Clearwater in May 2027

May 4, 2027 – May 16, 2027

A thrilling international sailing event, the The Ocean Race, is coming to St. Petersburg, Florida, in May 2027. This iconic offshore race has never before been hosted on Florida's Gulf Coast in its more than 50-year storied history. 

“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,” said Rob Britts, the Stopover Director for St. Pete-Clearwater. “We’re incredibly excited to welcome this event and the global spotlight it brings, but we're even more excited about the lasting legacy it can create for our community for years to come."

Visitors will not only be able to experience this acclaimed international sailing event at the interactive Ocean Live Park race village, they can also take advantage of St. Pete-Clearwater's beautiful, white-sand beaches, award-winning restaurants, unique museums, sports and other events on their trip.

Photos and video on this page courtesy of The Ocean Race

Event Category

  • Sports & Recreation

Guest Information

  • Outdoor Event

FAQs About The Ocean Race

What are the host cities for The Ocean Race in 2027?

Host cities include:

  • Alicante, Spain
  • Auckland, New Zealand
  • Itajai, Brazil
  • St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida, USA
  • Cascais, Portugal
  • Red Sea, AMAALA
  • Additional stopovers will be added

St. Pete-Clearwater will be the fourth stop in the race. From St. Peterburg, the fleet will depart for Cascais, Portugal, a journey of 4,500 nautical miles.

How can I experience The Ocean Race in St. Petersburg?

The St. Pete-Clearwater stopover will be based at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, which is located at 11 Central Ave., in downtown St. Petersburg on the Tampa Bay waterfront. The 60-foot foiling sailboats of the IMOCA fleet will be berthed here, in partnership with the yacht club and the University of South Florida (USF).

During the St. Pete-Clearwater stopover, the waterfront will host an interactive Ocean Live Park (race village) open to the public. Visitors will be able to experience The Ocean Race through a series of free public events, including:

  • Exhibits about sailing and the world's oceans
  • "Dock walks" and team boat viewings
  • Ocean science programming
  • Sustainability and ocean conservation showcases

When did The Ocean Race first take place?

The first Ocean Race was in 1973, and the iconic event has captured the imagination and desires of sailors around the world ever since. The 2027 event will be the 15th edition of The Ocean Race.

Has Florida hosted The Ocean Race before?

Fort Lauderdale and Miami have previously been stopovers for The Ocean Race, hosting the event five times. This is the first time The Ocean Race will come to the Gulf Coast of Florida, in St. Pete-Clearwater.

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