St. Petersburg is set to become the epicenter of international sailing in May 2027 as the city welcomes The Ocean Race, marking the first time in over half a century that Florida’s Gulf Coast will serve as a port for this elite global competition.
Known as the “Mount Everest of Sailing,” this round-the-world endurance test will feature a fleet of high-tech, 60-foot foiling sailboats berthed at the University of South Florida Basin. The 12-day stopover, scheduled for May 4–16, 2027, will be the only North American stop in the race’s grueling schedule.
Local officials anticipate a significant economic surge, projecting tens of thousands of international visitors and millions of dollars in revenue for regional businesses. Beyond the economic impact, the event is expected to elevate St. Pete-Clearwater’s global reputation as a premier destination for world-class sports and maritime culture.
