29 Jan One year to the start: The Ocean Race 2027 promises the ultimate offshore test

Massive first Leg from Alicante to Auckland to be the longest in race history

With less than a year to go until the start of The Ocean Race 2027, the world’s premier fully-crewed offshore race has confirmed a record-breaking opening leg that will take crews halfway around the world.

On January 17, 2027, the world’s top sailors will set sail from Alicante, Spain, embarking on an unprecedented opening leg to Auckland, New Zealand. This will be the longest opening leg in the 53-year history of The Ocean Race. The extraordinary 14,000-nautical-mile course will set the tone for what is widely considered the toughest team test in sport.

“As it has been for over 50 years, The Ocean Race represents the pinnacle of professional offshore sailing,” said Richard Brisius, Chairman of The Ocean Race. “The 2027 edition raises the bar once again with a route that will challenge even the most seasoned sailors. The opening leg to Auckland is a statement of intent: this is ocean racing at its most extreme and exhilarating.”

“This is an incredible way to start The Ocean Race: with an epic leg that takes us halfway across the world from Alicante to Auckland,” commented Boris Herrmann, Skipper of Team Malizia. “For sailors, this is what we love—spending time at sea, competing against the best, and facing massive challenges. This is where you learn about yourself and your teammates and forge bonds that last a lifetime.”

The 2027 race features a spectacular global itinerary with four iconic host cities already announced: The Start will be in Alicante, Spain, on January 17, 2027. The historic Mediterranean city and home of The Ocean Race will serve as the ‘Alicante Puerto de Salida’ (the Start Port) and launchpad for the world’s toughest offshore race for the sixth consecutive edition.

“It is very exciting to think that the fleet will set sail once more from Alicante to begin this extraordinary adventure around the world,” said Marián Cano, Regional Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism of the Valencian Community. “Alicante and the Valencian Community are immensely proud to have been the home of The Ocean Race for nearly 20 years.”

“As the ‘Start Port’ for this monumental leg, Alicante will showcase our maritime heritage and international outlook, promoting our innovation hub and our deep commitment to ocean health and education,” she added.

“The Ocean Race is closely linked to Alicante, providing us with significant international visibility and a considerable economic return,” said Luis Barcala, Mayor of Alicante. “Our city feels privileged to once again host the start of this monumental race, which extends its social and educational commitment to marine protection across the globe.”

Return to Auckland: City of Sails

Crews will need to be at their peak from day one. The record-breaking opening leg from Alicante to Auckland will take teams south through the Atlantic, around the Cape of Good Hope, across the Southern Ocean, and into the Pacific.

“This leg between Alicante and Auckland is going to be incredible,” said Kojiro Shiraishi, skipper of the Japanese DMG MORI Sailing Team. “Crossing the equator and entering the Southern Oceans all in one fully-crewed leg will be very challenging and dynamic.”

This will be the 12th time the race visits the ‘City of Sails,’ the birthplace of legends like Sir Peter Blake, Grant Dalton, and Peter Burling.

The Ultimate Proving Ground

Onboard the world’s fastest foiling offshore boats—the IMOCA class—teams face weeks at sea in the planet’s most diverse waters. The 2027 race mandates that every team includes at least one woman on board at all times, reinforcing the commitment to mixed competition at the highest level.

Racing for the Ocean The 2027 edition will strengthen its sustainability leadership through the Racing for the Ocean program. Teams carry scientific equipment to collect data on ocean conditions and microplastics. Furthermore, the global ocean education program will be translated into 18 languages for the 2027 start.

The Countdown Begins

With less than a year until the spectacular start in Alicante, anticipation is building. But first, this summer, “The Ocean Race Atlantic” will take place from New York to Europe. Fans can follow all the news at www.theoceanrace.com.