Alicante will once again be the focus of the ocean racing world from January 8 to 17, 2027, as it hosts the start of The Ocean Race for the sixth consecutive time. Considered “the most demanding and toughest ocean race in the world,” the race has been announced this Saturday by Mayor Luis Barcala, along with representatives from the Valencian Regional Government, confirming an event that has become an integral part of the city’s maritime identity.
“Alicante eagerly anticipates this new edition of a race closely linked to our city, which provides us with significant international exposure and a substantial economic return,” the mayor emphasized. Barcala also underscored the pride of a city “in love with the sea and nautical sports,” which is once again hosting a race that transcends sport and demonstrates a strong social and educational commitment to ocean conservation across the globe.
For her part, the Minister of Innovation, Industry, Trade, and Tourism, Marián Cano, emphasized the Valencian Government’s support for an event that “projects the Valencian Community as an international benchmark in innovation, sustainability, and commitment to the ocean.” Cano affirmed that the goal is for Alicante to experience “the best edition in history” of this emblematic competition.
A port, a symbol, a city embracing the sea
One year before the start of the regatta, the Valencian Government is thus consolidating Alicante’s role as the Port of Start, reinforcing its position as a world capital of sailing and marine sustainability. For ten days, the Ocean Live Park at the Port of Alicante will once again become a major international showcase, with activities designed to attract local, national, and international visitors.
The event is organized by the Valencian Government, through the Society for Digital Transformation Projects (SPTD), in collaboration with the Alicante City Council and the Port Authority. An alliance that reinforces the Valencian Community’s image as a destination for innovation, sustainable tourism, and nautical sports.
“Alicante is the city that has hosted the start of The Ocean Race the most times,” Cano noted, highlighting a relationship of almost two decades that has transformed the city into an exceptional meeting point to showcase its maritime heritage and international vocation. “Furthermore,” he added, “this regatta reflects our deep commitment to education and ocean health, inspiring new generations to protect the sea that connects us.”
Impact
Since the 2008-2009 edition, Alicante has been a starting port uninterruptedly, an 18-year partnership that has generated a significant economic impact. According to the PricewaterhouseCoopers report, the 2022-2023 edition contributed €71.6 million to the national GDP and €58.5 million to the Valencian Community, in addition to creating 1,232 full-time jobs in Spain.
Visitors and organizers generated €48.2 million in spending, particularly benefiting sectors such as accommodation, restaurants, and retail. The fiscal impact reached €33 million, with a return of €7.90 for every euro invested by the Generalitat (Valencian Government).
The last edition attracted 303,000 people to Ocean Live Park in one week and drew more than 170,000 spectators to the start of the regatta, the highest figure recorded to date.
Preparations for a historic edition
Looking ahead to 2027, the Generalitat and the Alicante City Council are already working on a comprehensive program of educational, sporting, and recreational activities at the Levante Wharf. Workshops on marine sustainability, school visits, sailing lessons, nautical competitions, concerts, and activities for all ages will once again bring the port to life.
A free, inclusive and family-friendly program that will transform the Alicante coastline into a grand stage where maritime culture, environmental awareness and leisure come together.
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