"The Ocean Race has always been defined by the cities and communities that embrace it, and this new transatlantic leg showcases everything the race stands for,” said Richard Brisius, Race Chairman of The Ocean Race. “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. Florida has welcomed this race five times before; now it does so in a way that will bring the event to a whole new audience on the Gulf Coast. And to arrive in Cascais, where Portugal's maritime heritage is felt on every cobblestone, is the best way to complete an epic transatlantic journey."

Florida has long been woven into the fabric of this great race. During the Volvo Ocean Race era, Florida hosted the event five times — with Fort Lauderdale welcoming the fleet in the 1989–90, 1993–94, and 1997–98 editions, and Miami doing so in 2001–02 and 2011–12. Now, for the first time, the race's American chapter turns to the Gulf Coast, with the vibrant twin destination of St. Pete-Clearwater stepping into the spotlight.
The Ocean Race will be based at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, right along the downtown waterfront from 4 to 16 May 2027 and has the support of the University of South Florida (USF), home to one of the United States leading marine science programmes and ocean health research efforts. The IMOCA fleet will be berthed at the waterfront by USF during the stopover.

“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.”

Portugal's relationship with The Ocean Race is equally deep. Lisbon hosted the race as a major stopover city in three consecutive editions: 2011–12, 2014–15, and 2017–18, becoming one of the most celebrated and warmly received host cities in the event's history in the process. Cascais itself hosted The Ocean Race Europe in 2021, the first time an Ocean Race event had been held at the famous marina town, and Porto-Matosinhos was a Fly-By destination in the 2025 edition. Now, for 2027, Cascais takes centre stage on the global around the world race.

Cascais is a destination renowned for sailing. Located just 30 kilometres west of Lisbon, the historic coastal town boasts a world-class marina that has hosted national, European and World Championship regattas and is set against a dramatic Atlantic coastline flanked by the Sintra mountains. The Ocean Race will be in Cascais at the end of May with teams expected to arrive as early as 26 May with the restart scheduled for 6 June.

“Welcoming the arrival of this new transatlantic leg of The Ocean Race in Cascais further reinforces Portugal's position as a destination for nautical sports, while showcasing internationally the quality of our territory, our natural conditions and our tourism offer. Portugal has a deep and historic connection with the ocean, and this is an event that inspires and connects cultures through the sea. Turismo de Portugal considers it a privilege to host this leg,” highlighted Carlos Abade, President of Turismo de Portugal.

“For a coastal community like Cascais, the ocean is part of our identity. Welcoming The Ocean Race and receiving the teams after a transatlantic crossing is a powerful moment that celebrates our historic connection to the sea. Cascais is proud to share its world-class sailing conditions, its commitment to ocean sustainability and the spirit of a community that has always lived side by side with the Atlantic. We look forward to welcoming sailors and fans from around the world to Cascais - The Charm of the Atlantic Coast,” said Nuno Piteira Lopes, Mayor of Cascais.

The town enjoys 260 rainless days a year on average, and its waters, where the Tagus estuary meets the open ocean, provide a fitting arrival stage for a transatlantic leg. Beyond its sailing pedigree, Cascais enchants visitors with royal palaces, cobblestone streets, some of Portugal's finest seafood, and proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra.

The 15th edition of The Ocean Race departs Alicante, Spain on 17 January 2027, sending the foiling IMOCA fleet on the longest opening leg in race history with an epic 14,000 nautical mile passage to Auckland, New Zealand. The route then returns to South America via Itajaí, Brazil, before heading north to the United States and the new transatlantic leg from St. Pete-Clearwater to Cascais. The race concludes with an exciting sprint down the Red Sea to AMAALA, marking the first time in race history that sailors have competed on the waters of the Red Sea.

This will be the second edition to feature the cutting-edge, foiling IMOCA 60 fleet — the fastest fully-crewed offshore race boats ever built — and will require each team to include at least one female sailor at all times. The race continues its landmark Racing for the Ocean sustainability programme, using the global platform of the race to drive action for ocean health.