The Ocean Race 2027 Will Conclude in the Red Sea
by The Ocean Race 25 Oct 09:21 PDT
Yasmin Baidas, Chief of Staff to the CEO, John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, Rosanna Chopra, Executive Director of Destination Development, and Johan Salen, Director of The Ocean Race © Red Sea Global
AMAALA, a new destination for sports and wellness on the Red Sea, will be the finishing point for the 15th edition of The Ocean Race in the summer of 2027.
The Ocean Race, an offshore sailing event with mixed crews first held in 1973, is recognized as one of the toughest challenges in sports and celebrates its award-winning initiatives focused on ocean health.
These key elements of the Race will be showcased and honored at AMAALA, as the fleet navigates through waters famous for their vibrant coral reefs and remarkable marine biodiversity.
AMAALA is situated on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, in the northern section of the Red Sea. Ocean research in the area, especially regarding the resilience of coral reefs in increasingly warm waters due to climate change, is vital for understanding how to lessen the effects of temperature on ocean health.
Leading up to the 2027 race finish, both The Ocean Race and Red Sea Global (RSG)—the developer of AMAALA and Regenerative Project Partner of The Ocean Race since 2022—will partner on initiatives related to ocean science, ocean health, and educational programs for youth, in line with the UN Ocean Decade Challenge to restore society’s relationship with the ocean.
The Ocean Race and Red Sea Global are also committed to collaborate in supporting sailors and racing teams to implement initiatives that drive impactful changes in ocean health projects.
“Through our collaboration with RSG over the past three years, we’ve recognized that AMAALA on the Red Sea presents a destination rich in potential for significant engagement with ocean health. Our aim is to raise awareness of the ocean’s critical importance in a region with a youthful demographic that’s connecting with their coastal heritage,” stated Johan Salén, Director of The Ocean Race, during a launch event on Friday.
“From a sporting standpoint, this final leg in the northern Red Sea will offer an exhilarating conclusion to the global race, featuring a short, final stretch in steady sea breeze conditions to the finish at AMAALA.”
The Ocean Race 2027 will commence from its home port of Alicante, Spain, in January 2027, taking the high-tech, foiling IMOCA fleet out of the Mediterranean, down the Atlantic, and into the Southern Ocean, navigating around Cape Horn before returning to Europe via the Americas.
Between the departure from Alicante and the conclusion at AMAALA, additional stopovers will complete the race course. The dates for all stops and the race finish will be confirmed once the complete route is finalized.
The second-to-last leg of The Ocean Race 2027 will take place from a European port to a finish line in the Mediterranean Sea off Port Said, Egypt. The race fleet will then convene to transit together through the Suez Canal to the Red Sea, starting the final approximately 135 nautical mile leg to the finish line just off AMAALA.
“Sailing has been integral to life along the Red Sea for centuries. Now it is poised to host the grand finale of the greatest round-the-world sailing challenge. The Ocean Race’s goal to act as a catalyst for accelerated protection and restoration of our seas aligns perfectly with our mission to lead regenerative tourism,” remarked John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.
A premier marine life institute, ‘Corallium’, focused on coral science and also serving as an interactive visitor attraction to promote ocean conservation, will be part of the ‘Triple Bay’ marina facility at AMAALA, which will also feature a state-of-the-art, four-story yacht club.
“By bringing this prominent, purpose-driven international event to Saudi shores, we are contributing to the future health of the Red Sea and the oceans globally, while also nurturing the next generation of Saudi sailors and fostering a lasting sailing legacy,” Pagano concluded.
AMAALA is thoughtfully designed to seamlessly connect meaningful spaces for both people and nature to thrive, and this vision is supported by a commitment to safeguarding and restoring the delicate ecosystems of the Red Sea. From coral reef restoration to the establishment of new mangrove forests, Red Sea Global aims for a 30% net conservation benefit at AMAALA by 2040.
RSG is equally dedicated to fostering sustainable economic opportunities for local communities, aiming to make a positive and enduring impact on the region’s environmental and cultural heritage. Since its establishment, RSG has implemented a variety of educational and vocational training initiatives, placing graduates in roles directly or through operational partners at AMAALA’s sister destination, The Red Sea.
The agreement to host at AMAALA is an extension and expansion of the original Regenerative Project Partnership between The Ocean Race and Red Sea Global, which was initiated during the 2022-23 edition of the event.
This announcement regarding the 2027 race’s finish venue follows the confirmation of the race route for The Ocean Race Europe and the introduction of a new event, The Ocean Race Atlantic: New York to Barcelona. The Ocean Race is evolving into a new, ‘always on’ phase, featuring ongoing ocean health initiatives along with the two additional races that will complement the main event—the iconic round-the-world race, The Ocean Race 2027.
