19 Jan The Valencian Government will once again turn Alicante into the world sailing capital with the start of The Ocean Race 2027

Alicante will once again serve as the starting port for The Ocean Race, running from 8 to 17 January 2027. It will feature a packed schedule of events designed to draw in local, national and international visitors.

Marián Cano has emphasised the global significance of the race’s departure, which will set sail from Alicante on 17 January 2027.

Marián Cano, the regional minister for Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism, has stressed the strategic importance of Alicante hosting the start of The Ocean Race for the sixth time in a row. As she pointed out, this event “positions the Region of Valencia as a leading international hub for innovation, sustainability and ocean stewardship”.

She added that the Valencian Government will “pull out all the stops to ensure Alicante hosts this top-tier sporting spectacle once more, making it the best edition yet”.

With just a year to go until this iconic race begins, the Valencian Government is reaffirming its dedication to Alicante as the starting port. This role transforms the city into the world’s nautical and marine sustainability capital, complete with a lineup of activities to attract visitors from near and far, who can enjoy the Ocean Live Park over ten days.

The Valencian Government, via the Society for Digital Transformation Projects (SPTD), is organising this premier international event. It will boost the Region of Valencia’s reputation as a benchmark in innovation, sustainable tourism and nautical sports.

The minister remarked that “it’s thrilling to imagine the fleet setting off from Alicante on this extraordinary round-the-world adventure”.

“Alicante and the Region of Valencia are immensely proud to have been the home of The Ocean Race for nearly 20 years, and to be the city that has hosted the start more times than any other. As the starting port for this epic race, we’ll become a prime gathering spot for innovation, giving us the chance to showcase our maritime heritage and global outlook,” she added.

She also noted that “hosting The Ocean Race demonstrates our strong commitment to ocean health and education, inspiring younger generations to understand, respect and protect the sea that unites us all”.

Sixth race start from Alicante

Alicante has been hosting this event since the 2008-2009 edition, marking the sixth consecutive time as the starting port. This represents an 18-year partnership with the race, whose global headquarters and museum are based in Alicante. The collaboration has established the Region of Valencia as a permanent host and delivers substantial economic benefits.

Indeed, the most recent edition (2022-2023) generated an economic impact of €71.6 million on Spain’s national GDP and €58.5 million on the Region of Valencia’s, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report. It created 1,232 full-time equivalent jobs across Spain (1,071 in the region), with a return of €7.9 for every euro invested by the SPTD in this territory.

Visitors and organisers spent €48.2 million in Spain, boosting sectors such as accommodation and dining (€15.5 million), retail (€10.1 million) and business services (€5.4 million). The fiscal contribution reached €33 million.

The previous edition drew 303,000 people to the Ocean Live Park over a week, with an average of 35,000 daily visits – the highest on record – and more than 170,000 spectators at the race start.

This turnout highlights the event’s appeal as a tourist draw and its international reach. It also places Alicante and the Region of Valencia in a prime global position, with a strong emphasis on technology, innovation and environmental awareness.

Preparations for the next Edition

For the 2027 edition, the Valencian Government is gearing up a comprehensive array of educational, sporting and recreational activities at the Muelle de Levante venue. It will mirror the previous offering, which featured school visits, workshops on marine sustainability, sailing taster sessions (‘try sailing’), nautical competitions, concerts and other events for all ages.

This free, open-to-all programme will promote values like nautical pursuits, sustainability and inclusivity, turning the space into a hub for family fun and learning.