The Ocean Race - Sail Newport

The Ocean Race 2022-23 - 21 May 2023. In-Port race in Newport © Daniel Forster / Discover Newport / The Ocean Race Newport

Congratulations to St. Petersburg, FL, for being named the next North American Stopover of The Ocean Race in 2027.

After successfully hosting three North American editions of The Global Race, Sail Newport, Rhode Island’s Public Sailing Center, along with city, state, and community stakeholders renowned as advocates for the marine community, decided together in late 2024 not to pursue the 2027 event.

The decision followed a thorough review of Sail Newport’s nonprofit mission, community priorities, and the rising financial demands of the Ocean Race host port bid. After consulting with community and government partners, Sail Newport weighed the resources required to deliver a world-class experience and local impact, ultimately prioritizing its core mission of expanding public access to sailing and marine education.

“We are proud of the legacy we’ve built with The Ocean Race, but we are also mindful of our responsibility to host a financially sustainable event for the city and state,” says Brad Read, executive director of Sail Newport. Sail Newport’s mission is rooted in public access to sailing, sustainability, and cultivating a love for the water. Declining to bid for the 2027 edition has allowed us to focus our energy and resources on initiatives that directly serve these goals,” Read adds.

This is a remarkable opportunity for the Southeastern U.S. maritime community and a positive event for sailors and visitors. Newport had an immensely successful experience with the race and we fully support the St. Pete team in making this a wonderful event.