The Ocean Race 2027: Longest Opening Leg in Race History — From Alicante to Auckland in One Month

The Ocean Race 2027: Longest Opening Leg in Race History — From Alicante to Auckland in One Month

Organizers of the legendary round-the-world sailing race The Ocean Race have revealed sensational details about the 2027 edition. For the first time in the 53-year history of the competition, the opening leg will be a record-breaking non-stop journey of 14,000 nautical miles (approximately 25,928 km) from Alicante, Spain to Auckland, New Zealand.

The race is scheduled to start on January 17, 2027, from Alicante — the traditional “home port” of The Ocean Race, which has hosted the event for the sixth consecutive time. The fleet will sail non-stop across the Atlantic and Southern Oceans, passing Cape of Good Hope (the usual stop in South Africa is skipped this time), rounding Cape Horn, and heading directly to New Zealand. The expected arrival in Auckland is around February 20, 2027, after approximately 31 days of continuous navigation in extreme conditions.

"This will be the ultimate test for offshore teams. The 14,000-mile opening leg will set the tone for the entire race," said Richard Brisius, Chairman of The Ocean Race.

After Auckland, the fleet will head to Itajaí, Brazil — another 7,600 nautical miles — followed by legs in the USA, Europe, a transit through the Suez Canal, and the final finish in NEOM’s AMAALA on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia.

The announcement comes amid a one-year countdown: exactly one year remains until the start (from January 17, 2026). In Alicante, the Ocean Live Park will open from January 8 to 17, 2027 — a large fan zone featuring boat presentations, technology exhibits, ocean sustainability themes, and live shows.

This news is particularly significant for Alicante and the entire Mediterranean coast of Spain, as the city once again becomes the epicenter of preparation and launch for one of the world's most prestigious regattas.

Photos of yachts off the coast of Alicante (presented at FITUR 2026) have already sparked excitement among sailing enthusiasts.

More details about the route and participants will be announced in the coming months on the official website.

The Ocean Race 2027 promises to be one of the most challenging and spectacular round-the-world races in history!