20 Mar The Ocean Race: A New Transatlantic Chapter from St. Pete-Clearwater to Cascais
The Ocean Race, the iconic fully-crewed offshore race, is adding a thrilling new chapter to its legendary history: a spectacular transatlantic leg departing from St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida, and arriving in Cascais, Portugal, as part of the historic 15th edition in 2027.
This marks the first time in the event’s 54-year history that the Sunshine State’s Gulf Coast will serve as a race start port. The leg will connect two of the world’s most celebrated sailing destinations across approximately 4,500 nautical miles of open Atlantic ocean.
“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 connects two coastal cities with an immense passion for the ocean. Florida has welcomed this race five times before; now it does so in a way that brings the event to an entirely new audience on the Gulf Coast. Arriving in Cascais, where Portugal’s maritime heritage is felt in every cobblestone, is the ultimate way to complete an epic transatlantic journey.”
Florida Returns to The Ocean Race
Florida has long been woven into the fabric of this great race, having hosted the event five times—with Fort Lauderdale welcoming the fleet in 1989-90, 1993-94, and 1997-98, and Miami doing so in 2001-02 and 2011-12. Now, for the first time, the race’s American chapter moves to the Gulf Coast. The award-winning beaches and vibrant cultural hub of St. Pete-Clearwater will take center stage as the finish port for the third leg of the around-the-world race, with the fleet sailing into Florida from Itajaí, Brazil.
The arrival of The Ocean Race will bring global attention to St. Pete-Clearwater, one of America’s most dynamic coastal destinations. With a long history of competitive sailing and tremendous growth in participation, the area provides the perfect backdrop for another major international event. The destination blends scenic natural beauty with a Michelin-rated culinary scene and a lively downtown arts and entertainment district, anchored by the world-famous Dalí Museum.
The Ocean Race will be based at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, right along the downtown waterfront, from May 4–16, 2027. It is supported by the University of South Florida (USF), home to one of the nation’s premier marine science programs and ocean health research efforts. The IMOCA fleet will be docked at the waterfront adjacent to USF during the stopover.
Heritage and History in Cascais
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 host cities in the event’s history. Cascais itself hosted The Ocean Race Europe in 2021, and Porto-Matosinhos served as a Fly-By destination in 2025. Now, for 2027, Cascais takes the spotlight in the global circumnavigation.
Located just 30 kilometers west of Lisbon, Cascais is a world-renowned sailing destination. It boasts a world-class marina and a dramatic Atlantic coastline flanked by the Sintra mountains. The fleet is expected to arrive as early as May 26, with the next start scheduled for June 6.
An Epic Transatlantic Leg
“As an American sailor who has had the honor of winning this race, I can tell you that bringing IMOCA foiling grand prix racing to the States is a fantastic initiative,” said Charlie Enright, winning skipper of the 2023 edition and current CEO of US Sailing. “St. Pete-Clearwater is a sailing and sports community with real energy. Racing from those beautiful Florida waters across the Atlantic to Cascais… that’s a leg I’d race in a heartbeat!”
The 15th edition of The Ocean Race departs Alicante, Spain, on January 17, 2027. Following an epic 14,000-nautical-mile opening leg to Auckland, New Zealand, the route returns to South America via Itajaí, Brazil, before heading north to the U.S. and the new transatlantic leg to Cascais. The race will conclude with a sprint through the Red Sea to AMAALA—the first time in race history that sailors will compete in Red Sea waters.