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St. Pete-Clearwater gears up to host The Ocean Race in May 2027, marking a historic first for the Sunshine State. This iconic race, known as “the Everest of the Seas,” will bring the world’s elite offshore sailors to Florida’s Gulf Coast from May 4-16, 2027, and it’s the only North American stop on the global route.
The race kicks off in January in Alicante, Spain, then travels to Auckland, New Zealand, and Itajaí, Brazil, before arriving in St. Pete-Clearwater. Teams of four, including at least one female sailor, will navigate the challenging waters aboard the fastest foiling offshore race boats, the IMOCA class.
Steve Grimes, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater's chief marketing officer, emphasizes the significance of this event for the community, calling it a global stage to showcase the area’s maritime heritage and vibrant experiences. The St. Petersburg Yacht Club will anchor the festivities, with the Ocean Live Park race village set to engage fans with immersive programming.
Expect thrilling on-water action, including speed runs by the IMOCA boats and local races that serve as tie-breakers for overall rankings. Rob Britts, the stopover director, promises exciting developments over the next year, making this an unmissable event for sailing fans and the entire region.
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